Jean Dube, Nazareth House (91.9 The Bend Photo)
The City of Moncton is getting a new homeless shelter thanks to a $480,000 combined investment from the provincial and federal governments.
House of Nazareth will operate the new shelter with a “dry” area for clients who can’t be under the influence of drugs or alcohol and a “damp” area where they can.
Executive director Jean Dube explains why the homeless population has been growing in the area.
“People are coming to Moncton because it’s an urban centre and it has services which other parts of the province don’t have for homeless people.”
The new shelter will open at 75 Albert Street in a former gym and will accommodate about 120 clients.
Dube says we have to stop managing homelessness and start finding solutions.
He says it will be more than just a shelter for the homeless with a drop-in centre during the daytime for those who want a coffee, to browse a newspaper or computer access to look for employment.
The shelter will also provide support services for those with mental health or addictions problems.
The province is investing an additional $66,000 to help House of Nazareth with operating costs and rent supplements for clients.
Dube adds the existing shelter on Clark Street will likely remain open but it could eventually become a women’s only shelter.
