Suburbs The New Ground Zero For Homelessness

"The number of homeless people has more than doubled in many parts of the Lower Mainland since 2005, according to the 2008 Homeless Count."

"The 24-hour snapshot conducted by volunteers March 11 found 2,660 homeless people in Metro Vancouver — a 22 per cent increase from the previous count in 2005 and up 137 per cent from the first count in 2002."

"While more than half the total homeless remain in the City of Vancouver (1,372), the numbers are up sharply in the outlying cities."

"The Tri-Cities saw the biggest jump, up 140 per cent (91 homeless counted versus 38 in 2005)."