The only homeless shelter in the Maritimes that's open 23 hours of the day is trying to raise enough money this holiday season to keep that tradition going, so those who need it have a place to go.
Currently, the men's shelter in Fredericton is at capacity, and so too are the other two shelters in the city.
The executive director of Fredericton Homeless Shelters says it shows how badly needed the shelters are, especially with winter coming.
"It’s not particularly dignified to sort of roust people out of bed at eight o’clock in the morning,” says Warren Maddox. “They're out on the street, it's cold, it's a hard way to spend a day, and then let them back in at six or seven at night."
However, the shelter’s 23 hour a day open door policy is an expensive way to operate. This season is also critical for raising the money needed to keep the shelter secure and open.
"It is hugely important for us. It is really the thing that enables us to maintain not only the 23 hour model that we work with, but the 360 support that we provide people that come in,” says Maddox.
Those who use the shelter say they are thankful that they only have to leave the shelter for one hour a day.
"Especially in the winter time, it's beneficial because you don't freeze to death,” says Joseph Baker.
Baker has called the shelter home for three months.
"It’s a nice place, like the staff are really good with people there, they'll listen to you if you need to talk,” says Baker.
Baker is a self-confessed addict trying to kick his habit, saying he’s been clean for 11 days. While he's taking it day by day, he’s grateful to have a place to go where he can think.
"I do want to go back to school and update my education. I'd like to take a trade, plumbing or air conditioning."
A future he says he didn't believe in when he was forced to sleep on the street, but one he now believes may very well be within reach.
With files from CTV Atlantic’s Laura Brown
