A report looking at the homeless population in Niagara shows it is getting harder for people to find a place to call home.
During the region's second Point-in-Time Count on March 27th, volunteers found at least 625 people living with homelessness.
The count is meant to paint a clearer picture of some of the challenges our less fortunate face.
The report presented to the Public Health and Social Services committee by director of homelessness services and community engagement Cathy Cousins, outlined some of the factors.
"We asked people what the reason was for their housing loss on that evening. The number one reason, was family breakdown. The second is financial, which can be job loss, but it can also be that you can't afford your rent or your mortgage."
80% of respondents said high rent and low income were challenges for them to find housing.
"The vacancy rate in 2014 here in Niagara was 3.6%, it's down to 1.5%." Cousins said. "The average market rent for a bachelor was $586 in 2014, we're now at $642. A one bedroom went form $745 to $822."
More than 1 in 5 respondents were between the ages of 16 - 24. The largest demographic of people living in homeless was 31 - 49.