Group Looks To Find 30 Homes For The Homeless By Christmas

A Saint John non-profit wants to find permanent housing with supports for 30 people experiencing homelessness by Christmas.

The Saint John Human Development Council launched its “In From The Cold” housing blitz campaign earlier this week.

Several members of the organization gave a presentation about the campaign to Common Council members last week.

Michael MacKenzie, a system planner for the council, said achieving the goal would help reduce and eliminate the need to turn people away from emergency shelters.

“This is concerning any time of the year, but obviously more so when it’s -20 degrees outside,” MacKenzie said.

It would also help avoid having to open an out-of-the-cold temporary shelter, which MacKenzie said is only a temporary solution to homelessness.

The council said it knows of about 120 people who are experiencing homelessness within Saint John. Nearly three-in-four are in shelters or sleeping rough, and the council noted it is seeing more people sleeping outside because the shelters are full.

Chris Gorman, who is also a system planner for the council, said 69 people are considered chronically homeless, meaning they have been homeless for at least six months.

“That number is the number that we’re particularly focused on because it’s those individuals that really need intensive supports,” said Gorman.

Gorman said many people who are experiencing homelessness are dealing with substance use and/or mental health issues, which require “a good deal of energy and support.”

For the campaign, the council said it has access to 12 provincial rent supplements, along with up to five units through the Elizabeth Fry Society, and Housing Alternatives’ new rooming house project. It is also working with local landlords to find new housing opportunities.

Cathy Boyce, an affordable housing specialist with the council, said they already have 15 to 20 moves in motion and hope to move at least 15 people into housing by Dec. 1.