Humanity Project founder Charles Burrell (Dave Heintzman photo)
The founder of the Humanity Project is not very optimistic about the homelessness issue in Greater Moncton.
Charlie Burrell operated one of two emergency shelters in the city over the winter – the other was in the old Assomption Boulevard fire hall – which both shut down this week.
He plans to keep his cots because he says they may be needed again in about seven months.
Burrell says he would like to see city councillors actually spend some time at a shelter to get a real sense of what it’s like to be homeless.
He believes people helping people is the best way to combat homelessness.
With the help of community volunteers, he adds it didn’t cost a lot to operate a shelter compared to what governments spent.
Burrell made the comments following the release of Moncton’s long-awaited affordable housing strategy.
City Council accepted the report which included recommendations such as identifying the homeless and their needs, increasing support services and creating a housing authority.
