New Brunswick homelessness strategy unveiled
A strategy to address homelessness in New Brunswick was released Thursday.
A Path Home aims to reduce chronic homelessness in the province by 40 per cent by 2028-29.
Housing Minister David Hickey said homelessness is a crisis in New Brunswick, and it’s been growing for several years.
“Over the last six years, we saw rent increase in the province by 46 per cent,” Hickey said. “And as a result of a cost-of-living crisis, already stressed and overburdened non-profit organizations, community organizations and under-supported and underfunded government agencies in housing and social development were met with a crisis they could not keep up with.”
Hickey said it all resulted in a surge in homelessness, with the numbers increasing by 210 per cent.
“Reducing chronic homelessness will take commitment, collaboration and a clear path forward,” Hickey said. “This strategy gives us a road map to follow.”
Social Development Minister Cindy Miles said the strategy will reinforce the government’s commitment to supporting vulnerable people.
“By listening to those with lived and living experience, the strategy reflects our focus of meeting people where they are and ensuring they have the supports they need to move forward with stability and hope,” Miles said.
The strategy reflects a collaborative effort across government, developed through the ministerial task force on homelessness. It includes the Departments of Social Development, Justice and Public Safety, Health, Local Government and the New Brunswick Housing Corporation.
The task force has also worked with community organizations, service providers and people who have experienced homelessness to make sure the strategy reflects current realities and needs.
