The ShelteR

A Journey of Compassion, Community, and Commitment How We Got Here

Neighbourhood Works Inc. (NWI) began its journey of community support in July 2022 by

launching a free, inclusive Tuesday evening community supper. By August, this initiative

expanded to include Thursday evenings, welcoming neighbours of all ages and backgrounds to gather around the table.

These meals were about more than food—they fostered belonging, reduced food insecurity, and offered seniors a space to connect. Since then, with the generous support of local churches, organizations, and dedicated volunteers, our community kitchen has served over 50,000 meals. It has become a place not only of nourishment but of hope and human connection.

Recognizing the Unseen Crisis

Throughout the summer and fall of 2022, it became increasingly clear that many of our

neighbours were facing housing insecurity or living unsheltered—often exacerbated by the

fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic and a surge in property acquisitions by absentee landlords in St. Stephen. A diverse group of concerned citizens began to meet regularly to explore how our community could respond.

Though initially focused on our kitchen program, NWI became actively involved as we had already built trusted relationships with many experiencing homelessness through our meals. In partnership with other organizations and our Horizon Community Developer, we conducted a survey of our homeless neighbours to better understand their winter needs. The resounding response: a safe, warm place to sleep during the cold months.

Answering the Call

The results of the survey were shared with a broader working group, some of whom were

instrumental in securing funding from the provincial and municipal governments to create an Out of the Cold (OOTC) warming centre. A site on Prince William Street—the back of the old Dooley’s—was chosen.

When asked to operate the warming centre, NWI agreed. Not only was it the right thing to do, but NWI’s charitable status, established relationships with Social Development (the funding body), and reputation for community-focused work positioned us well to lead the initiative.

From December 2022 to April 30, 2023, the warming centre operated seven nights a week.

While we are proud of what we accomplished, it was deeply difficult to close the doors each

morning at 7:00 AM and send people back out into the cold, knowing they had no safe place to go during the day.

Working Toward a Sustainable Solution

In July 2023, a smaller group of committed individuals, including NWI representatives, began

meeting biweekly to explore the creation of a permanent seasonal 24-hour OOTC shelter. They developed clear criteria for what such a facility would require and explored 22 different

properties. Unfortunately, none met the necessary conditions due to zoning, availability, or

suitability.

In October 2023, a parcel of provincial land was identified as a potential temporary solution. A proposal was developed, and after a closed session with the St. Stephen Municipal Council (SSMD), the working group approached the province to request access to the land. Initially, the land was unavailable.

Tragedy struck in December 2023 when a man died outside in the cold. In response, SSMD

declared a state of emergency. NWI stepped forward again, transforming our head office into a 24-hour drop-in centre where individuals could access meals, showers, laundry, harm reduction supplies, and outreach services. Soon after, the provincial land became available, but plans were paused following community consultations.

With no viable alternatives, and to prevent another loss of life, NWI—with funding from Social Development—renovated the drop-in centre to accommodate overnight stays. This temporary OOTC operated until April 30, 2024.

The Need Doesn’t Pause in Summer

Between May and October 2024, no permanent shelter or OOTC plans were confirmed, despite NWI and others having invested time and resources into a thoughtful and practical proposal. As colder months approached, options remained limited.

Then, in late October 2025, a potential solution emerged. A property at 9 Main Street became available. After viewing the site and receiving unanimous approval from our Board of Directors, NWI conditionally agreed to purchase the property—contingent on securing operational funding. An operational budget was submitted to Social Development, and on November 28, 2025, NWI took ownership. We officially opened the doors of our Homeless Hub on December 10, 2025.

Why We Continue

NWI never set out to run shelters. We responded because we were asked, and because the need was undeniable. We stepped in when others could not. Homelessness existed in our community before NWI became involved—but once we saw the extent of the crisis and had built meaningful relationships with our most vulnerable neighbours, we could not look away.

This is about more than providing a bed—it’s about preserving dignity and hope. To shut down services in the spring and expect someone to pick up where they left off in the winter is akin to asking someone in a wheelchair, after months of rehabilitation, to stand—only to put them back in the chair and ask them to walk seven months later.

We know that consistency, trust, and support 365 days a year are essential to making real

progress. That is why our shelter, now a year-round Homeless Hub, is so vital.

The Bigger Picture

Across Canada, more than 235,000 people experience homelessness every year, with 35,000

individuals homeless on any given night. In rural communities like St. Stephen, homelessness is often hidden—couch surfing, living in unsafe housing, or sleeping rough in wooded areas or vehicles. These realities are no less urgent.

Homelessness is not just an urban issue. It’s a human issue.

Our Commitment

Neighbourhood Works Inc. remains committed to supporting our most vulnerable neighbours with compassion, dignity, and respect. We do this because every person deserves a safe, warm place to sleep—and the opportunity to rebuild their lives with the help of a caring community.

Together, we can ensure that no one is left out in the cold.