N.B. news: Shelter closing Wednesday [Video]

By Wednesday, the warming centre in St. Stephen, N.B., will be no more, with nothing ready to replace its services.

Neighbourhood Works, who operate the facility, did not respond to an interview request. A statement put out late last week by its working group says the impending closure will only “exacerbate the many challenges faced by those experiencing homelessness.”

It was always the plan for the centre to cease operations at the end of April, but the reason is unclear. The group first stepped up to offer a warming centre at their facility after a state of emergency in early December following the death of 41-year-old Adam Dickerson, who was found in need of urgent medical care at a local park before passing away. Dickerson had been homeless for several years.

The state of emergency was terminated by the provincial government within 48 hours, with an understanding the two levels of government would work together to build a permanent shelter.

…