Housing critics want to know where the ‘teeth’ are in new shelter standards

The Newfoundland and Labrador government has introduced new standards for government-funded emergency shelters, covering safety, health, cleanliness, and staffing. While the standards are welcomed by housing critics, concerns remain about their enforcement and implications. Labrador West NDP MHA Jordan Brown expressed relief at the new standards but questioned how they will be implemented. He emphasized the need for effective enforcement and potential financial penalties for non-compliance, citing the vulnerability of shelter residents.

Dan Meades, provincial coordinator of the Transition House Association of Newfoundland and Labrador, criticized the reliance on for-profit shelters, arguing they prioritize profit over service quality. He suggested that non-profit shelters would better serve the community but expressed concerns that the new standards reinforce the for-profit model. Meades also highlighted potential safety issues with low-barrier shelters, which permit drug and alcohol use, raising fears about their impact on women and staff.

The new guidelines mandate two staff members per shelter with high-level training in addictions and mental health. However, Meades worries this may not address the challenges posed by low-barrier policies, which he believes could endanger vulnerable populations, particularly women fleeing violence. Overall, while the guidelines represent progress, questions about their practical application and the shelter model’s direction remain unresolved.

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