The Census and Homelessness

 

In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. All went to their own towns to be registered. 

Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he was descended from the house and family of David.  He went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child. 

And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth and laid him in a manger, because there was no place in the guest room.

Luke 2: 1-7 NRSVue 

I am exceedingly grateful that Ruth took on the thankless task -- well, I thanked her profusely -- of filling out  what turned out to the longer census form for 2026. At one point she commented that there are now questions about homelessness, the first time as part of a Canadian census. 

My immediate thought was that questions about their plight or the census itself would be low on the agenda for any unhoused person but the second question below is about those we know who might be homeless or seeking shelter with others. 

What’s New in the 2026 Census?

The 2026 long-form Census, which is sent to one in four households, now includes two dedicated questions on homelessness. The first captures experiences of sheltered and unsheltered homelessness over the past 12 months: sleeping on the street, in parks, in makeshift shelters, in vehicles, or in abandoned buildings. The second captures hidden homelessness: those who are, or recently have been, staying temporarily with friends, family, or others because they had nowhere else to go.

It's hard to know whether this will ultimately be useful but it is an attempt by the federal government to get a better understanding of a "hidden in plain sight" segment of our population. Homelessness is a crisis in many communities across the country and governments at every level are struggling to keep up with the demands. Our congregation, Trenton United, hosts the Quinte West warming centre and there was a significant increase in overnight stays this year. Despite efforts to address the issues here in Belleville we regularly see sites where people are "living rough" around the city. 

I've mentioned before that when we are cycling or walking Ruth regularly greets persons by name because she volunteers with the meal program which began at Bridge St. Church and now at The Bridge Hub. This is a practical expression of her Christian faith. 

Wading through the census questions tested her faith far more! Of course, a census of sorts and an unhoused Holy Family plays a central part in our Christian story, so we should probably be grateful for the concept, although I won't suggest this to Ruth.