St. Stephen overnight shelter to close April 30
CBC
A St. Stephen warming centre operating as an overnight shelter run by a non-profit group will close at the end of April, and there is no plan to replace it.
A news release issued by the "warming centre working group" warns of a "pressing dilemma," after a shelter run by Neighbourhood Works will cease operations, as planned, on April 30.
"This closure leaves many vulnerable individuals without refuge or shelter, and serves to exacerbate the many challenges faced by those experiencing homelessness," the release said.
A website for the working group says it consists of Neighbourhood Works, the town of St. Stephen, the Department of Social Development and several other organizations.
The group urges the municipality and the province to take action and create a long-term plan on homelessness in the community.
"While dialogue has been ongoing, the lack of a concrete plans puts the well-being of our entire community at serious risk, leaving vulnerable individuals without essential resources and care," the release said.
When reached Friday afternoon, St. Stephen Mayor Allan MacEachern said he appreciated the work done by Neighbourhood Works in running the shelter.
"It went well, as well as it could. They did a great service to our community," he said.
When asked if funding was the reason for Neighbourhood Works closing the shelter, MacEachern said he couldn't answer and directed the question to Neighbourhood Works and the province.
Neighbourhood Works did not respond to a request for comment Friday afternoon and neither did the Department of Social Development.
The overnight centre started in February, when it was given provincial funding, and was always set to end in April.
At the time, the municipality estimated there were about 100 people who were homeless in the border community.
Neighbourhood Works was chosen to run overnight shelter after a previous plan at a different location in St. Stephen was shut down by neighbours.
The municipality declared a state of emergency over the homelessness crisis in December, which was subsequently cancelled by Public Safety Minister Kris Austin days later.
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