This 7th annual Report Card highlights key changes throughout 2013 that impact the state of homelessness in Greater Moncton.

Probably the biggest news in 2013 was that the Homelessness Partnering Strategy (HPS) would be renewed for another five years (2014- 19), with a focus on “Housing First.” Greater Moncton Homelessness Steering Committee members and partners are now developing a new 5- year Community Plan.

As you’ll read in this document, a lot of progress is being made in finding new and innovative ways to house people in need. Together, the new YWCA and SUN Network housing programs housed close to 50 chronically homeless individuals. Still, the number of people staying in emergency shelters continues to rise.

In 2013, we organized a “Trade Fair with a difference “ (see page 3) that brought together non-profits and private sector housing developers. Some interesting partnerships have developed. But a common theme in all our work is the shortage of real affordable housing. For those living on social assistance, the only workable solution is a subsidized unit, but the waiting list for social housing has grown by 58% over the past two years.

Only 34 new affordable housing units were added to the inventory in 2013. During the past year, we lost two important agencies that served the marginalized population: Family Services Moncton and BUILT Network, which provided pre-employment training for people with mental health challenges.

The Mental Health Commission of Canada’s At Home/Chez Soi program, which housed 100 chronically homeless people with mental health issues in Greater Moncton, wound down. Its Assertiveness Community Treatment (ACT) Team was transitioned into a provincial Flexible ACT Team. The FACT will continue to work with At Home/Chez Soi clients, and will also accept referrals and self-referrals for people with serious mental illness.