Outbreak at Moncton shelter exposes COVID-19 challenges among homeless population
The COVID-19 pandemic has posed many challenges for the homeless population in Moncton as they often do not have the ability to self-isolate or get vaccinated.
A recent outbreak at the Harvest House has shown just how quickly the virus can spread among those who don’t have a place to call home.
The emergency shelter has seen 31 cases of the disease since last week causing it to temporarily close.
“This is a demographic that's used to moving around, so to ask them to stay in one place is difficult," says Marc Belliveau, executive director of Harvest House.
"Within our shelter itself, we have a professional company come in that's disinfecting our location. Remember we have 13 other buildings so right now we’re still taking care of all of our residents in our other buildings."
Belliveau says they serve 109 people every night on average.
In an effort to help prevent further spread, they had a pop-up vaccine clinic on site Friday to help make vaccinations more accessible for people, as rates have been low at the facility.
Jeremy Cormier was previously staying at the shelter.
"The experience has been both awful and amazing. I’ve met people that would really surprise you when you’re down and out," says Cormier.
Though he’s fully vaccinated, not having a permanent address makes it difficult for people like Cormier to hold onto certificates.
Debby Warren, executive director of Ensemble Moncton, a harm reduction site, says that their location serves over 1,000 individuals in the community and a high percentage of those are homeless.
"Even if we found them a place to self-isolate, to get over the 14 days and recover, who is going to be that support for them?" she asks.
"I do think the shelters have been doing the best they can. Of course, when you're managing folks for the whole day, there is a higher risk of transmission within that setting," says Cathy Foote, a housing specialist.
With rental costs and COVID-19 cases on the rise, having a safe place to call their own is yet another hurdle.
The Harvest House's executive director says those previously staying at the emergency shelter are now being offered support at the lion's club until it is safe for them to return.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
DEVELOPING Man sets self on fire outside New York court where Trump trial underway
A man set himself on fire on Friday outside the New York courthouse where Donald Trump's historic hush-money trial was taking place as jury selection wrapped up, but officials said he did not appear to have been targeting Trump.
Sask. father found guilty of withholding daughter to prevent her from getting COVID-19 vaccine
Michael Gordon Jackson, a Saskatchewan man accused of abducting his daughter to prevent her from getting a COVID-19 vaccine, has been found guilty for contravention of a custody order.
She set out to find a husband in a year. Then she matched with a guy on a dating app on the other side of the world
Scottish comedian Samantha Hannah was working on a comedy show about finding a husband when Toby Hunter came into her life. What happened next surprised them both.
Mandisa, Grammy award-winning 'American Idol' alum, dead at 47
Soulful gospel artist Mandisa, a Grammy-winning singer who got her start as a contestant on 'American Idol' in 2006, has died, according to a statement on her verified social media. She was 47.
'It could be catastrophic': Woman says natural supplement contained hidden painkiller drug
A Manitoba woman thought she found a miracle natural supplement, but said a hidden ingredient wreaked havoc on her health.
Young people 'tortured' if stolen vehicle operations fail, Montreal police tell MPs
One day after a Montreal police officer fired gunshots at a suspect in a stolen vehicle, senior officers were telling parliamentarians that organized crime groups are recruiting people as young as 15 in the city to steal cars so that they can be shipped overseas.
The Body Shop Canada explores sale as demand outpaces inventory: court filing
The Body Shop Canada is exploring a sale as it struggles to get its hands on enough inventory to keep up with "robust" sales after announcing it would file for creditor protection and close 33 stores.
Vicious attack on a dog ends with charges for northern Ont. suspect
Police in Sault Ste. Marie charged a 22-year-old man with animal cruelty following an attack on a dog Thursday morning.
On federal budget, Macklem says 'fiscal track has not changed significantly'
Bank of Canada governor Tiff Macklem says Canada's fiscal position has 'not changed significantly' following the release of the federal government's budget.