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
Former homicide detective explains how police will investigate shooting outside Drake's Bridle Path mansion
Footage from dozens of security cameras in the area of Drake’s Bridle Path mansion could be the key to identifying the suspect responsible for shooting and seriously injuring a security guard outside the rapper’s sprawling home early Tuesday morning, a former Toronto homicide detective says.
Federal government grants B.C.'s request to recriminalize hard drugs in public spaces
The federal government is granting British Columbia's request to recriminalize hard drugs in public spaces, nearly two weeks after the province asked to end its pilot project early over concerns of public drug use.
Stormy Daniels describes meeting Trump during occasionally graphic testimony in hush money trial
Stormy Daniels took the witness stand Tuesday at Donald Trump's hush money trial, describing for jurors a sexual encounter the porn actor says she had with him in 2006 that resulted in her being paid off to keep silent during the presidential race 10 years later.
MPs agree Canadian gov't should improve new disability benefit
The federal government needs to safeguard the incoming Canada Disability Benefit from clawbacks and do more to ensure it actually meets the stated aim of lifting people living with disabilities out of poverty, MPs from all parties agree.
Bye-bye bag fee: Calgary repeals single-use bylaw
A Calgary bylaw requiring businesses to charge a minimum bag fee and only provide single-use items when requested has officially been tossed.
CFL suspends Argos QB Chad Kelly at least nine games following investigation
The CFL has suspended Toronto Argonauts quarterback Chad Kelly for at least nine regular-season games following its investigation into a lawsuit filed by a former strength-and-conditioning coach against both the player and club.
Boy Scouts of America changing name for first time in 114 years, aiming for inclusivity
The Boy Scouts of America is changing its name for the first time in its 114-year history and will become Scouting America. It's a significant shift as the organization emerges from bankruptcy following a flood of sexual abuse claims and seeks to focus on inclusion.
opinion Tom Mulcair: Trudeau's handling of Poilievre's 'wacko' House turfing a clear sign of Liberal desperation
When Speaker Greg Fergus tossed out Pierre Poilievre from the House last week, "those of us who have experience as parliamentarians simply couldn't believe our eyes," writes former NDP leader Tom Mulcair in his column for CTVNews.ca
New charges for Ont. woman who previously admitted to defrauding doulas
The Brantford, Ont. woman who was previously sentenced to house arrest after admitting to deceiving doulas has been charged again in connection to a new victim.