On Christmas Day, Misty Schofield, a social worker from Saint John, reflected on her clients while in the comfort of her home. In charge of Fresh Start Services’ HOPE program (Housing Opportunities for People to Excel), Schofield specializes in assisting individuals who are homeless or have benefited from the team’s housing support.
Schofield expressed the stark contrast she felt during the holiday, being in a cozy home with her children while contemplating the harsh realities her clients face. She shared that 36 clients from Fresh Start had passed away in 2025, a number that tragically rose to 38 by December 25.
Melanie Vautour, the executive director of Fresh Start, highlighted the challenges faced by those living without shelter, mentioning the difficulties in managing various health conditions under such circumstances, leading to severe consequences like heart disease and diabetes. Vautour also emphasized the long-term health impacts of exposure to cold weather and the risks associated with the toxic drug supply and overdose.
Even after finding housing, individuals who have endured years on the streets without proper medical care often struggle with health issues. Schofield mentioned the emotional toll of witnessing the deaths of 38 clients and the burden of knowing who might be at risk next, a phenomenon known as moral injury in social work.
Vautour shared similar sentiments, expressing the pain of seeing individuals transition back into homelessness after being housed and the gradual loss of hope that follows. Despite the challenges, both Schofield and Vautour remain committed to their work, striving to prevent future tragedies and provide support to those in need.
While acknowledging some progress in government-funded support programs for chronically unhoused individuals, Vautour emphasized the slow pace of improvement. She highlighted the emergence of outreach teams, transitional housing facilities like the Acres, and other initiatives aimed at addressing homelessness but noted that it will take time to see significant changes.
In the face of ongoing challenges, Schofield and Vautour remain dedicated to their mission of supporting vulnerable individuals and advocating for systemic improvements to prevent further losses within their community.