Labrador family struggles, as brother awaits permanent housing

Four months after a boarding house abruptly closed in central Labrador, one family says their living situation has gotten worse.

Jerry Igloliorte's brother, George Dicker, was one of more than 30 people who were left homeless, when Newman's Boarding House in Happy Valley-Goose Bay closed on April 15.

Igloliorte took in Dicker as a temporary measure, but his brother's mental disorder has been causing problems for him and his family.

Dicker has schizophrenia and other complex needs, and requires constant supervision.

Igloliorte said the situation has been burdensome. 

"He gets his moods, bad moods, [has] bad days at times. It's scary, scary on behalf of me and my wife, for what he could do next," he said.

"I can't go to social services and tell them he needs a place now, and they can't do nothing about it. It's not their problem, because they wouldn't be able to find him a place right away in the meantime. Right now, he's going to have to be under my care, but it's scary for us."

Igloliorte said Dicker recently became agitated, and hit one of his daughters in the head.

"He just bawled at her and just smacked her across the forehead," he said. 

Dicker regrets hurting his niece, and said he needed his medication.

Government buying apartment building

On Tuesday, the provincial government announced it will have soon have apartments to accommodate nine people.

Kevin O'Brien, minister responsible for the Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation, said government is going to provide $825,000 for the purchase of a six-unit apartment building in Happy Valley-Goose Bay.

"We took care of the 32 people that were displaced by the closure of Newman's back in April. They are in current housing and they are doing, very very well," said O'Brien. 

He gets his moods, bad moods, [has] bad days at times. It's scary, scary on behalf of me and my wife, for what he could do next.- Jerry Igloliorte

As to who gets to move into the building is yet to be determined. Igloliorte said his brother is on a waiting list for a new place to live, but he's skeptical that's going to happen any time soon.

"Something should be done about this now, he needs it. But I can't just kick him out, out in the cold. We just have to keep on waiting, waiting, waiting until we really finds out. But when is that going to be? Another year or two, when it shouldn't have to be. It's just like a runaround, is all it is."