A two-year project researching ways to overcome housing barriers in Southeast New Brunswick is nearing completion.

O’Strategies received funding from CMHC two years ago for Shelter in the Storm.

Spokesperson Cory Herc says this was a research-to-action project, “To the best of our knowledge, we are the only New Brunswick located firm to have ever been awarded this funding from CMHC. The second of these labs to ever be conducted at all in New Brunswick, the first of its kind in Moncton and we’re reaching our homestretch on this lab.”

Funding was received to initially identify, explore, and develop responses to challenges for housing accessibility and security in urban Southeast New Brunswick.

“We were looking particularly at individuals in need of complex long-term wraparound supports to ensure the safety and security of their tenure,” Herc says.

(Photo: From Moncton City Council)

He adds they have worked hard, not only as a research project but as a research-to-action project, with the support of the Greater Moncton Homelessness Steering Committee, YWCA Rising Tide, John Howard Society, Ensemble Moncton, Youth Impaction Jeunesse and several other agencies.

“From this research to action project, have emerged prototypes for things that we can do. Actionable, tangible things that can be implemented here in greater Moncton to help individuals in our community access and retain long-term safe and secure housing,” Herc says.

The lab was conducted over five stages, using data from experts in the field, and those who are accessing and providing services.

The results of their research will be unveiled at a celebration on March 7th at the Community Hub on Joyce Street, between 10 am and 2 pm.