The spirit of the holiday season comes to shelters in Greater Moncton

To bring a little comfort during this season marked by gatherings between loved ones, shelters in Greater Moncton are organizing friendly and festive moments for people experiencing homelessness.

Nazareth House, for example, hosted a big Christmas dinner on December 21.

We also had volunteers from the Royal Bank who came to do some DIY, if you like, painting in the context of Christmas.says the president of the board of directors of Maison Nazareth, Hélène Boudreau.

The unifying initiative seems to have generated enthusiasm among the participants, according to her.

They need a sense of belonging,1 of family. Then this is what will help them move to the next stage of housing and become part of the community.

On the occasion of this holiday season, marked by the spirit of sharing, Hélène Boudreau hopes that the kindness of the community will also be extended to those less fortunate.

It is absolutely necessary for the New Brunswick community, whether in Greater Moncton or elsewhere, to realize that people who are homeless have their challenges, but are human people who need dignity.she said.

Maison Nazareth also remains open to generous donations to support those in need.

Hélène Boudreau notes that this winter, meat products and feminine hygiene items are in high demand, as are fresh produce, which is always in demand.

Harvest House also organized a Christmas dinner for its customers on December 23.

The organization says it offered 199 gifts this year to people who use its shelter thanks to donations from the community. In a Facebook post, administrators indicate that this is the year when the public has been most generous.

The organism The Humanity Project also hosted a Christmas dinner this week during which 275 turkey dinners were served to people in need.

Situation progresses, city says

According to the most recent figures, more than 500 people are currently using shelters in Greater Moncton.

Although this statistic changes every month, Moncton City Councilor Charles Léger nevertheless ensures that the situation is progressing in the right direction.

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Charles Léger indicates that there are currently 319 beds available in shelters.

There are people who prefer not to use shelters, for example for evenings, so it’s fluidhe specifies. We are in a situation which is much more at a level of control than we have ever seen in previous years.

According to figures compiled by the municipality, nearly a hundred people who stayed in shelters have recently found accommodation, adds Mr. Léger.

According to the report by Myriam Breau