New Brunswick Homeless Numbers Rise

Homelessness is a growing crisis within the province of New Brunswick. As this problem worsens, it is difficult to determine whether the government is taking the situation seriously or distributing money to cover it temporarily.

“What we’ve seen across the country is about a 15.6% increase, and these people have not experienced homelessness before as a direct result of COVID-19,” said Dawn Arnold, Mayor of Moncton.

The COVID-19 pandemic has also exacerbated the issue, with many individuals and families struggling to make ends meet. In the province, approximately 520 people are homeless, a number that keeps growing daily.

Homelessness typically results from a combination of variables rather than a single source. Factors such as insufficient income, lack of affordable housing, limited access to healthcare, and various other systemic and social problems can contribute to someone becoming homeless.

“We realize that there isn’t just one solution here, but the result is that we have to move people along the spectrum. We have got to get to a place where people are getting what they need to get out. Shelters should be for five days, not five years,” added Dawn Arnold.

Homelessness is particularly acute in urban areas such as Moncton and Fredericton but also affects rural communities. Community organizations and government agencies are working to address the issue with initiatives like outreach programs, emergency shelters, and transitional housing. However, advocates say that more needs to be done to prevent homelessness and provide long-term solutions for those affected.

The issue has prompted community members to call for urgent action from policymakers to address the problem.

The New Brunswick government announced many prospective initiatives in 2022 to support and reduce homelessness. These initiatives include millions of dollars in assistance for low-income families, government-subsidized public housing, and emergency shelters.

As the number of individuals experiencing homelessness in the province continues to increase, locals express their frustration and concern for the safety and well-being of those affected.

Property owners surrounding the downtown areas also deal with the abundance of homelessness, finding them hidden in their entryways, garbage sheds, or around their vehicles. Residents feel like they must take matters into their own hands to protect themselves and their families.

“We have experienced a lot of damage to the building. With people trying to break into the garbage shed. I’ve had to change my locks several times and refix the entrance to the building when they tried to pry into it at my own expense. We had people try to set fires in the lobby of my apartment buildings,” said Brian Stordy, a Moncton landlord.

Many residents of New Brunswick feel unsafe due to the increase in homelessness in their area. Residents have raised concerns about increasing crime, drug use, and public safety within their neighbourhood while also expressing fear for their safety and their families.

Despite these efforts, many New Brunswick residents are still upset about their area’s current state of homelessness and anxiously await results from the new government program.