Winter brings a harsh reality to New Brunswick. More people are losing their homes than finding permanent places to live in Saint John, Moncton and Fredericton. Recent data shows a growing crisis across the province just as temperatures begin to drop.

According to a recent report from CBC News, the number of people entering homelessness continues to outpace those securing housing.

The Crisis in Saint John

In Saint John, the latest September count identified 60 people who became homeless or returned to homelessness. During that same period, only 10 people moved into housing. This brings the city total to 578 unhoused individuals.

Melanie Vautour serves as the executive director of Fresh Start Services in Saint John. Her organization runs the Out of the Cold shelter. She estimates the actual number of unhoused people in the city is closer to 600.

Vautour notes that even when they house 12 to 15 people a month, another 30 to 50 people lose their housing. Her primary concern is the physical toll the cold weather takes on those living outside.

“The thing that always worries me going into winter is frostbite and loss of limbs,” Vautour told CBC News. She added that winter brings a constant gnaw of cold that people are forced to endure.

Growing Numbers in Moncton and Fredericton

The situation looks equally severe in other major cities. In Moncton, 91 people became homeless in September while only 20 found apartments or supportive housing. Greg Bishop is the senior director of the Human Development Council. He reported the total number of homeless individuals in Moncton reached 945 in September.

Charles LeBlanc directs bylaw enforcement and community safety for Moncton. He estimates the real number is closer to 1,000 people. The city currently has about 50 known encampments.

Fredericton faces a shortage of shelter beds. The August count showed 36 people entering homelessness and only nine finding housing, bringing the capital city total to 353. Social Development Minister Cindy Miles stated the city will fall short of the 33 shelter and subsidized housing spots it offered last year. The department is actively looking at churches and recreation centres to fill the gap.

A Push for Permanent Solutions

Emergency shelters provide immediate relief but experts agree they do not solve the root problem. Miles emphasized that the provincial goal is to get people into stable housing rather than just building more shelters.

Bishop stressed that the province needs to invest heavily in supportive housing and prevention. He called the current number of people living outside unacceptable.

“I am worried that people are starting to get used to the fact that people just live outside now, when really that is just not an appropriate option in Canada,” Bishop said.

Vautour echoed this sentiment. She stated that ending the cycle of homelessness requires housing paired with dedicated support systems.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many people are currently homeless in Saint John?

Recent counts show 578 people are officially homeless in Saint John. Local shelter directors estimate the actual number is closer to 600.

Are more people finding homes or losing them in New Brunswick?

More people are losing their homes. In all three major cities, the number of people entering homelessness significantly outpaces the number of people finding permanent housing.

What are the main concerns for unhoused people during winter?

Exposure to extreme cold is the primary danger. Shelter directors specifically worry about frostbite and the potential loss of limbs for those living outside.

What solutions are experts recommending?

Advocates and government officials agree that building more emergency shelters is only a temporary fix. They recommend investing in permanent supportive housing to keep people off the streets long term.