Fewer homeless in Edmonton

There are fewer homeless people on Edmonton's streets according to the most recent homeless count.

Volunteers counted 2,421 homeless people in a city-wide survey in October.

Last year's count tallied 3,079 homeless people.

The 20 per cent drop is the first decrease in numbers since the annual count began about a decade ago.

It shows the 10-year plan to end homelessness is working, said Mayor Stephen Mandel.

"We've stemmed the tide of the ever increasing growth, he said. "That change shows the housing-first model and the way the agencies are working together is really making a change and a very positive change."

According to Mandel more than 1,000 people have found homes through recent funding initiatives and new programs.