Fredericton launches community program to end homelessness

The Fredericton community action group on homelessness has launched a program to ease the problem in the capital city.

Coun. Mike O'Brien announced the plan on Wednesday with the executive director of United Way central New Brunswick, Jeff Richardson. 

"The 80 to 90 individuals, who are in the city who are continuously in and out of the system, and never get the permanent supports necessary to break that cycle. That's our number one focus," O'Brien said. 

The plan, which will cost an estimated $10 million, outlines the development of 39 new housing units and 36 program spaces in Fredericton within four years.

O'Brien says the funding will come from the community members, the government, donors and existing funding within the community. 

The program mirrors a small scale housing first program implemented on the north side of the city. The 12-unit program has been curbing homelessness since 2010.

John Barrow, the executive director of the John Howard Society, implemented the program on the north side and he says it's been a welcome success in the community.

"Providing housing up front with the proper supports in place saves the entire community financially and most importantly it treats us all the same," Barrow said.

The Fredericton city councillor said individuals are now being identified to see who should move into these units as soon as possible.

O'Brien said he hopes that in 10 years, anyone entering a shelter will have a place to go with adequate support within 10 days.

"Eighty-five per cent of the people that are moved into a safe place with the supports as required for the first year or two, will become engaged citizens and be able to contribute back to society and it breaks the cycle," he said.