About 100 residents attended a public meeting in St. Stephen, New Brunswick, to learn more about the Lighthouse Lodge shelter, operated by Neighbourhood Works. The shelter, which opened in December, offers emergency housing for those experiencing homelessness in the small community of fewer than 5,000 people. While the shelter has been vital, some neighbors have expressed concerns about its location, citing issues like drug transactions, garbage, and safety problems.
During the meeting, panelists, including Neighbourhood Works staff and local community organizations, addressed these concerns. Mark Groleau from Neighbourhood Works explained the shelter’s role in bridging the gap between shelters and permanent housing, emphasizing that most clients are from Charlotte County. Some residents, like Maria Simpson, empathized with the struggles of those facing addiction or mental health challenges, while others, like Stacy Arsenault, expressed frustration with the disturbances near the shelter.
Despite mixed reactions, many participants acknowledged the importance of the shelter, with some offering constructive feedback on how to improve the situation. Tony Hall, a recovering addict, defended the shelter, highlighting the support it had given him. Neighbourhood Works is committed to working with the community and addressing concerns while providing necessary services to those in need.
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