A new advisory council on homelessness has started its work in Fredericton, bringing together members from 19 community organizations.

The council was created by the government’s ministerial task force on homelessness.

It held its first meeting this week to set the terms of reference and outline the next steps.

David Hickey, minister responsible for the New Brunswick Housing Corporation and chair of the task force, said the council’s work will help the province act more quickly.

“Homelessness calls for immediate, coordinated action, and I’m pleased to see this group come together so quickly,” Hickey said in a government release.

“Having the right people at the table means we can make informed decisions, and this council will help us respond more quickly and effectively to the needs of New Brunswickers.”

The council includes representatives from municipalities, service providers, the business community, Indigenous and LGBTQ+ communities, and people with lived experience of homelessness.

Social Development Minister Cindy Miles said she was encouraged by the determination shown by community partners.

“Their willingness to collaborate shows what is possible when we unite behind a shared purpose,” Miles said.

“Together, we’re taking meaningful steps to address homelessness with dignity and compassion.”

The ministerial task force, made up of ministers and deputy ministers, is responsible for coordinating efforts across housing, social development, local government, justice and public safety, and mental health and addictions.

It will also work with municipal and community partners to respond to local needs.

The government announced that the task force will improve recent efforts to help tenants.

These include a rent cap, more direct rental assistance for tenants, the continuation of the Rent Bank, and new funding for mental health and addiction services.

This funding will support a mental health court and create housing for those in need.