Saint John’s relocation of homeless encampments from “red zones,” where tents are banned under the Housing for All strategy, has sparked confusion and concern among both residents and outreach groups. Melanie Vautour, executive director of Fresh Start Services, noted that many people are unsure about where they can safely set up tents and still access necessary services. The city’s plan includes “green zones” for transitional housing and “yellow zones” where tents are allowed, but the precise locations of these zones have not been clearly marked, leading to uncertainty. Fresh Start is working with the city to identify these yellow zones, which are meant to offer amenities like heating and bathrooms, while ensuring access to services like meal programs.
Public concerns have emerged, with some residents fearing that the relocation plan will push unhoused people to the city’s outskirts, away from essential services. Community groups like Street Team SJ are also uncertain about how their outreach will be affected, particularly as they serve encampment residents in the red zones. The city’s goal is to reduce visible homelessness by mid-November, with some individuals already relocating. As winter approaches, outreach teams are preparing for the additional challenges of providing shelter and support to the homeless population.
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