The City of Fredericton is supporting the launch of John Howard Society’s new mobile outreach service, providing compassionate support to individuals who are living rough during critical overnight hours.
The service is a key recommendation of the Mayor’s Community Safety Task Force, a multi-sector group that issued a comprehensive report in May 2025 addressing the complex community challenges related to increased homelessness, mental health and substance use disorders in Fredericton.
“This mobile service is an important step in addressing a vital need identified by Community Safety Task Force members,” said Mayor Kate Rogers. “Through our partnership with the John Howard Society, we’re ensuring vulnerable residents get the support they need when and where they need it most. This partnership reflects our commitment to a safer, more supportive Fredericton for everyone.”
The City of Fredericton accessed $578,100 for the project through Health Canada’s Substance Use and Addictions Program - Emergency Treatment Fund.
The funding supports six new staff members trained in Mental Health First Aid, Trauma-Informed Care, de-escalation techniques, Naloxone administration, Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASSIST), and Human Trafficking awareness.
A significant portion of the funding supported the purchase of a van to travel to various areas of Fredericton and provide outreach and overnight response. The van will be equipped with harm reduction supplies including Naloxone kits, water, snacks, and weather response needs.
"Communities across the country have called for help - and through the Emergency Treatment Fund, we are responding. This funding will deliver immediate support where it is needed most,” said the Honourable Marjorie Michel, Federal Minister of Health. “We are using every tool available to connect people to care, address urgent local challenges, and keep our communities safe."
The John Howard Society will work closely with the Fredericton Police Force and the Fredericton Fire Department on emergency response calls, which will improve the community capacity to address urgent needs associated with our vulnerable population.
“This initiative marks an important step forward in our commitment to providing comprehensive, around-the-clock support to individuals in need. By extending outreach efforts into the overnight hours, we aim to ensure that no one is left without access to essential services—regardless of the time of day,” said John Barrow, Executive Director at the John Howard Society of Fredericton. “These new overnight outreach services will work in close coordination with existing daytime programs, creating a continuous and responsive support system that prioritizes safety, connection to services, and community care. We are proud to work in partnership with Fredericton Police and Fire on this initiative, and we thank all of the frontline workers and community partners who make this vital work possible.”