Cold Streets: Fredericton’s homeless hoping for a warmer future.

FREDERICTON-

As the temperature drops and the winter breeze rolls through the streets of Fredericton, a new problem arises for some of the less fortunate. For those living on the streets, the drop in temperate is a life threatening factor which scares our provinces homeless.

Not far from one of the city’s main routes, lays a community which was formed with the help of the shelter groups in order to provide warmth and necessities to those in need. There is currently eight tents, all of them acting as temporary residents for those who are struggling to find shelter.

The community was formed over 150 days ago by a man who knew personally of how dangerous living on the streets can become. He has since then aided those who come to the tents in need of shelter or any help he can provide.

James has found that there is always someone that could use help in the community and that people come for all sorts of reasons

“there’s always somebody in need, some people have been staying here longer than others, others are just in town for a couple nights and can’t get into the shelter so they just need a place to lay down.” Says Oickle.

The tents were able to survive the easier summer nights, but many are starting to worry with the change. With drugs and alcohol also being a problem for many, James sees the cold as much deadlier than the people expect it to be.

“That’s the one that I do worry about out here, when I have guys out that are passing out and you have to get them shelter for the night because they will freeze to death, they don’t have their wits about them.” Says James.

There is indeed ongoing help for these folk, such as the Victoria Health Center, which provides Mental Health services as well as Addiction services. The St. John House also acts as Fredericton’s shelter and food kitchen, supplying meals each day of the week. Both these buildings are a necessity for those who find themselves struggling, and are luckily located just meters away from the tent community.

Many hope that the tents help bring stronger attention to the problem that most seem to turn a blind eye on. Especially with the winter season approaching much more quicker than expected, actions cannot be pushed back any more

This is William Blackmore, reporting for ST. Thomas Journalism.