A new facility that will house up to 12 people experiencing chronic homelessness and mental health issues in the Greater Moncton area was announced Wednesday. The group home is located in Salisbury, N.B., and will offer support to residents through a joint project between the provincial government and Alternative Residences Alternatives (ARA). The province spent $250,000 to help purchase the property on the Homestead Road and create the supportive housing units. “It really is intended to be a comfortable home for people living with mental illness,” said Al Pendergast, executive director of ARA. The province secured $7.4 million in emergency funding for supportive housing projects last September to provide help to those wanting to leave chronic homelessness and find stable, permanent housing. Last September, a ministerial task force to address homelessness with the goal of cutting the number by forty per cent by 2029 was established. David Hickey, minister responsible for the housing corporation and the chair of the task force, said facilities like this one help. “This is us getting started. Our government set clear direction to reduce chronic homelessness by 40 per cent. We are dedicated to that commitment,” said Hickey. “It seems like 12 units, but it’s more than that. These are transitional units. The intention is to set people up, to be able to move on to something permanent.” Hickey admitted obtaining the 40 per cent reduction in chronic homelessness “will be a difficult target to hit.” Justice Minister Robert McKee, who is also minister responsible for addictions and mental health services, said when people are struggling with homelessness finding a safe and affordable place to stay is the first step to addressing their issues. “We know that if someone is without a home, they’re forced to move into survival mode. That can cause any existing issues they may have to worsen and it can lead to additional health and mental health problems,” said McKee The Department of Social Development will work to ensure on-site support services are available to all residents. Pendergast said they’ll use the volunteer service Urban/Rural Rides to make sure residents make it to appointments in Moncton. “Especially medical appointments, that’s the most critical thing,” said Pendergast. The home, which houses both men and women, is expected to open sometime in May. For more New Brunswick news, visit our dedicated provincial page.
