The provincial government has released its standards for emergency shelters.
The province says adoption of the standards will ensure the delivery of consistent, caring service and that basic needs are met while lowering any barriers to access.
The standards are also aimed at ensuring that people are supported in securing more stable housing.
Housing Minister Fred Hutton says the standards were something that were necessary to provide greater clarity on the role of emergency housing and that it meets the needs of individuals.
With the increased use of shelters over the last couple of years, they wanted to make sure there was a standard in place. “Many of our operators are already adhering to what’s in this report,” says Hutton.
Associate director of OrgCode, the authors of the standard report, Tracy Flaherty-Willmott says the issues surrounding the need for emergency shelter is not unique to Newfoundland and Labrador.
“So many Canadian communities are experiencing the exact same thing,” says Flaherty-Willmott. Other provinces “are experiencing a greater depth and need, so the more focus that we can actually put on…affordable, safe, appropriate and supportive housing, the better everyone’s lives will be.”