The Executive Director of End Homelessness St. John’s says they’ve been wrestling with the uncertainty created by rapidly changing circumstances that are making the homeless situation throughout the province more visible.

The organization released its Community Plan to End Homelessness this morning.

Doug Pawson acknowledges that homelessness has become increasingly visible which creates greater challenges in addressing the growing problem.

The plan says some 864 people in the province experience homelessness in a year, while 588 are considered to be chronically homeless. That reflects what the organization says is a housing and affordability problem.

The plan includes the experiences of those who have had or are having trouble accessing and maintaining safe, affordable housing. Pawson says addressing the issue requires leadership.

“What knits this plan together” says Pawson “is all of us taking that lead in whatever capacity you serve in, whatever organization you’re in or government department, it doesn’t matter, there’s a role for all of us to play, and I think if we lead with bold ambition, I think if we lead with courage, and I think if we lead with grace, we can be the next community in Canada to end homelessness.”