Meet the Indigenous couple quietly helping Fredericton's homeless community
Frank and Connie Paul spend most nights driving around the region, handing out food
This is part of a series called Ann's Eye, featuring the work of Ann Paul, a Wolastoqey content creator. You can see more Ann's Eye pieces by clicking here.
Everyone knows about Frank and Connie Paul's front porch.
Folks in Sitansisk (St. Mary's) First Nation know to bring clothes, winter boots, blankets, food and hygiene products over to the Pauls. The couple pile the donations into their pickup truck and head out into the Fredericton region every night to distribute them to people struggling with homelessness.
The Pauls, who've been doing this for years, usually don't return home until after midnight, making their rounds through the woods, shelters and even along the highway.
Ann Paul, who recently rode along with the Pauls, asked them if they ever stay in on the couch to watch movies.
Connie laughed, touching Frank's arm. "When was the last time we saw a movie?"
The Pauls know many in the homeless community by name, keeping tabs on whether someone has gone missing.
Out in the woods, Frank will park and toot the horn — the signal that he and Connie have arrived and are ready for anyone wants to stop by and grab some food, a bottle of water, a few smokes, whatever they might need.
Often, Frank will have his famous peanut butter and molasses sandwiches available, or Connie will have egg salad sandwiches made with eggs from her mother's hens.
Frank Paul, a retired police officer, told Ann why he does this. "I took an oath to serve and protect. Just because I'm a retired police officer, that doesn't mean I'm still not going to serve and protect."
Scroll through the photos and watch the video above to learn more about Frank and Connie's work in the community.
Ann's Eye
Photographer Ann Paul brings an Indigenous lens to stories from First Nations communities across New Brunswick. Click here or on the image below to see more of her work.
