The first-ever national look at homelessness in Canada suggests at least 200,000 people experience it every year.

The State of Homelessness in Canada report finds that on any given night, about 30,000 people are in shelters, sleeping outside, being protected from domestic violence or in prison or hospital.

The report says that costs taxpayers about $7 billion a year.

The study marks the first time researchers have looked at homelessness on a national level.

Report author Stephen Gaetz says this kind of research means authorities will be able to actually measure progress in solving the problem.

The report make five recommendations, including increasing the supply of affordable housing and making chronic homelessness a priority for action.