The shelter at the Forum is starting to fill up after the first nor’easter of the season.
According to local service provider 902 Man Up, 55 people stayed at the Forum’s Multi-Purpose Centre Sunday night; that includes an additional 12 who came in due to the weather.
As of Monday night, there were still 50 beds occupied out of 70.
Buses were available last Monday to take community members in the Grand Parade and Lower Sackville encampments to the new shelter, but they left empty.
Minister of Community Services Trevor Boudreau expressed frustration at the situation and said, “The shelter was identified as an opportunity…this was an opportunity to provide support to people.”
According to multiple reports, those experiencing homelessness were hesitant to go to the Forum because of privacy and safety concerns.
