Emergency Out of the Cold Homeless Shelter (91.9 The Bend photo)
Moncton’s emergency homeless shelter in the old Assomption Boulevard fire hall will be closing on Monday.
Roughly 50 people have been staying at the shelter each night since it opened in early December.
The City of Moncton, the YMCA and the Salvus Clinic were partners in the temporary facility which was only intended for the winter months.
YMCA outreach director Lisa Ryan says these last few days have been an emotional time for staff, volunteers and especially for their clients.
“We are trying to transition people. There are a few people who have already transitioned to the other shelters to make sure they get a space. We need to have everybody moved by Monday so we can start the clean up.”
Ryan says Harvest House and House of Nazareth are both adding beds to their facilities.
She says not all of their clients will want to stay in the other shelters if they are under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Many will still choose to sleep outside in tents even though she adds both shelters have said they will relax their rules.
While a few have found places in rooming houses, she adds Greater Moncton has few affordable housing options available.
