This past winter, it has become abundantly clear that current infrastructure within New Brunswick is unable to meet the needs of the homeless community. As a result, this petition is calling for the creation of a year-round emergency shelter, with additional capacity during severe weather events, to provide refuge for the homeless population of New Brunswick and potentially the wider Middlesex community.  This shelter will also assist individuals in locating resources by using the Rapid Re-Housing Model, House First Initiative - RRH. Rehousing homeless individuals benefits the entire community; reports have shown that tax payers save an average of $10,000 each time an individual is housed.*

With the support of  Rutgers University affiliates, the New Brunswick community, and Middlesex County residents, we urge the New Brunswick City Council and its president, Kevin Eagan to seriously engage in dialogue with the homeless community on this and other issues.

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*http://www.endhomelessness.org/library/entry/rapid-re-housing-a-history-and-core-components