N.B.’s transitional housing plan is promising, urgent support still needed

The provincial government has announced plans to build 200 ultra-low-barrier transitional housing units as a solution to homelessness. (Credit: Lindsay Jones, The Globe & Mail)

New Brunswick's government plan to build 200 supportive and transitional housing units has been met with cautious optimism from those working directly with people experiencing homelessness.

For Warren Maddox, executive director of Fredericton Homeless Shelters, the initiative is a vital step, but not the final solution.

“So having additional transitional housing is just desperately needed,” said Maddox. “The more we can get, the faster we can get it, the better.”

Earlier this year, the province announced the 200-unit initiative as part of its broader housing strategy to address chronic homelessness.

The plan builds on previous commitments to create 120 supportive units across New Brunswick and it's inspired by local efforts such as Fredericton’s 12 Neighbours Community, a non-profit building tiny homes for people transitioning out of homelessness.

While Maddox supports the government’s promise, he emphasized that housing alone cannot end homelessness.

“The ultimate goal is moving someone from the crisis of homelessness through a series of interventions and getting them into either transitional or permanent housing,” he said. “But that journey looks different for everyone.”

He explained that many people who enter transitional housing face complex barriers such as mental health challenges, trauma and addiction. For them, stable housing must be paired with ongoing, hands-on support.

“You can’t just hand someone keys and walk away,” said Maddox. “You need staff, you need case workers and you need a system that helps people learn how to live again.”

Maddox also highlighted that the province must provide different types of housing to meet diverse needs — from mental health facilities and rooming houses to small bachelor apartments.

“There is no one silver bullet,” he said. “You need variety, patience and people who don’t give up.”

As winter approaches, Fredericton’s shelters are preparing for another difficult season.

For Maddox, every new supportive housing unit represents a person moving closer to safety and stability. However, he hopes the government’s promise will translate into immediate action, not just long-term planning.

“The need is now,” he said. “We can’t wait another year to start helping people get off the streets.”