Former homeless man credits Saint John housing program for fresh start
Housing-first program had 1 client this time last year, but now has 19
As Bernard Rossignol sits inside his new apartment, the image of Pope John Paul II leans against the wall above the mantel, while his dog, Toby, rolls around on his lap.
Rossignol is one of the clients of Housing Alternatives' expanding Housing First Saint John program, which tries to provide homes for individuals whose homelessness is caused by prolonged destabilizing factors in their lives that make them too "high risk" for landlords.
This time last year, the program housed only one person. Now that number has jumped to 19.
The idea is to move people into housing paid for by federal funds, then focus on what caused them to be on the streets in the first place — whether it be drug addiction, poor mental health or, in Rossignol's case, money problems.
"When I went to file my income taxes, I didn't realize I owed the government so much money," he said. "They took everything."
Shelters not always an option
Four months ago, the 59-year-old and his dog were living in a tent near the racetrack in east Saint John. He was homeless for about four years before moving into his new apartment.
He lived in a "crack shack" for several months, but he decided to leave, unable to deal with the scenes he saw there.
He also tried using the city's shelters but found violence between individuals often followed the men through the doors.
"I went over to the tent and stayed there, me and my dog," he said.
"In the summers it's not too bad. It's the winter time. It's cold."
Rossignol said the plan now is to try to get his life and the life of the dog — back on track and return to work.
Program wants to expand further
For Ben Appleby, the housing co-ordinator sitting across the room, Rossignol is a successful case.
It's not always so easy, he said.
"There are just those that have chosen not to be part of this program," Appleby said. "They just don't want to engage. They don't want to meet with people.
"I've since seen those people and know what environment they're living in. It's heartbreaking."
Right now, the program has more referrals then it can manage. Appleby would like to change that, but he said the $88,000 to $90,000 the program has to spend might not allow him to.
The current goal is to place 10 people in homes each year.
The program also wants to put more money into supporting its existing clients, like teaching them basic life skills such as cooking, cleaning and time management.
While a client becoming completely independent is the ultimate goal, Appleby said that's not possible for all.
"Sometimes you start with the smallest things," he said. "It's a very slow moving process. These are years of issues that have been untreated."
Landlords less reluctant
Back when CBC News first wrote about the initiative, it was new to Saint John. A year ago, Appleby said one of the major hurdles he and his colleagues faced was persuading reluctant landlords to come on board.
"Now that word's gotten out … landlords continue to offer units," he said. "I feel comfortable with the number of landlords that we have a good, healthy relationship with."
He recalls how one client abandoned his unit after suffering a relapse, thinking he blew his only chance to have a stable home.
It took weeks, but Appleby eventually tracked him down in a shelter and explained that what happened was OK.
"We met and just had a coffee," Appleby said. "When I told him that his place was still there — I had the keys in my pocket — tears came to his eyes."
Rossignol said that on those cold winter nights by the racetrack with his dog, he had no hope of a better life and little trust in others.
As a result of the program, a few more people have come into his life he can depend on.
"Those people right there," Rossignol said, pointing to Appleby. "They do a good job."
