The 2024 Westside Unique Identifier Count report was presented to Council at the June 25, 2025 Regular Council Meeting. Read the report.

The report represents the most comprehensive snapshot to date of housing instability in the area. Conducted by Henluk Consulting, in collaboration with local organizations, the UIC survey engaged 212 residents—many of whom are typically overlooked by traditional counts, including individuals living in vehicles, overcrowded conditions, or couch-surfing.

The 2024 Westside Unique Identifier Count (UIC) Report findings reveal that 74% of respondents were experiencing unstable housing, and many who believed they were “stable” were in fact facing hidden forms of housing vulnerability.

The report also highlights several critical social issues, including the increasing reliance on services for immediate survival (food, hygiene, rest), rather than long-term system navigation—signaling service fatigue and access barriers.

Welcome to the 2024 Westside Unique Identifier Count Survey

This initiative aims to gather updated data on housing instability and support service needs within the City of West Kelowna and Westside communities. Your participation is crucial in helping us better understand the challenges our community members face and how we can improve housing and social services.

This survey builds on the foundations laid by the 2018 Westside Point-in-Time (PiT) Count and the 2022 Westside Unique Identifier Count, tracking progress and identifying ongoing challenges in reducing homelessness and housing instability in our community.

  Why your participation matters

Your input will directly help us:

• Track trends in housing instability and homelessness.
• Improve access to social services and resources for those who need them most.
• Shape future housing strategies to better meet community needs.

By taking a few minutes to complete this survey, you will ensure that the voices of those most affected by these issues are heard and that the data gathered can inform future housing and service strategies.

  Key information about the survey

• Anonymous and confidential: No personal names are collected, and all responses are kept confidential.
• Short survey: The survey takes only 6 – 10 minutes to complete.
• Voluntary participation: You can skip questions or stop at any time.
• Impact: The data will be used to inform housing strategies, social service planning, and advocacy efforts to support those experiencing housing instability and other challenges.
  
  

  How the survey works

We are partnering with local service providers to distribute this survey between Oct. 15 and Nov. 29, 2024. You can take the survey through paper forms provided at participating service locations or online through the link below.

  Questions or need assistance?

If you have any questions or need help completing the survey, please feel free to contact Jen at jen@henluk.ca. We are here to support you.

  Thank you for your participation

Together, we can build on the progress made in 2018 and 2022 to make a meaningful difference in the lives of our community members. Your input is invaluable in shaping a future where everyone can access the housing and services they need.