After setting up a temporary facility last winter, St. Stephen, a municipality in southwestern New Brunswick, will now have a long-term shelter for homeless people.
In December 2023, the City declared a state of emergency due to the death of a homeless person. At the time, Mayor Allan MacEachern accused the province of not acting quickly enough to resolve the homelessness crisis.
The tragedy had greatly shaken the community and volunteers mobilized to open a day warming center. This temporary center, managed by the local non-profit organization Neighborhood Works, was then able, in January 2024, to open at night.
A shelter with services
Neighborhood Works announced Wednesday that it will now operate a long-term shelter starting this winter, in partnership with the provincial government.
This center will include a cold shelter open from December to April, and services for unhoused people accessible all year round. It will be located at 9 Main Street, where the Masonic Hall is located.
This center will be a safe space, offering not only shelter, but also vital resources such as meals, showers, laundry, we read in a press release
However, the opening date has not yet been finalized.
Last winter, St. Stephen’s homeless population was estimated to be around 100 people.
With information from Sam Farleyof CBC
