With fall snowstorms making life even more challenging for the homeless, the Higgs government will provide funding to help establish temporary out of the cold shelters in Saint John, Moncton and Fredericton.
Social Development Minister Dorothy Shephard says they will provide safe, secure, housing for those in need in the winter months.
“The department will also provide rent supplements to individuals in Moncton, Saint John and Fredericton regions who have been experiencing homelessness.
More than $80,000 will be provided to create a shelter in Fredericton.
$265,000 is earmarked for support services like mental health and addictions counselling for those receiving rent supplements.
Moncton-South Liberal Cathy Rogers applauds the efforts of government, municipalities and non-profits coming together to address the urgent situation of homelessness.
Rogers tells the story of a private donor came forward to help in a complete surprise.
“To help the homeless in Moncton by donating beds and a shipping container for storage.”
The proceeds were given to the Humanity Project and in a Facebook post, the organization says a gentleman came in and asked: “what do you need to everyone in from the cold this winter?”
The post has been shared more than 5000 times.
Green party leader David Coon offering thanks to the social development minister for the quick response to the need in this situation.
Coon says the rate of homelessness is increasing in our major cities and winter came early and he acknowledged the efforts in Fredericton.
“The role of the Anglican church and the Bishop in providing the Bishop’s House as a shelter really quickly without a second thought as did the St. Mary’s First Nation,” Coon says “They moved rapidly and have a shelter up and running.”
Coon suggested the Community Health Centres provide an opportunity where social workers already working there could work with the homeless population as they try to address the root causes of the problem.