When Kyle Harbin shifted from a private shelter to a shared residence in downtown St. John’s, he was seeking stability and a smooth transition to a new, comfortable lifestyle. He entered into a lease for an apartment under the ownership of 3 Birds Housing Solutions, the same company managing the shelter. This arrangement, sealed by Harbin in December 2023, was part of a supported living initiative backed by the Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation (NLHC) to assist individuals with complex needs.
Harbin’s monthly rent of $700 is deducted directly from his income support, which constitutes a significant portion of his monthly earnings. Despite this, he manages to make ends meet with the assistance of food banks and other support services.
However, his situation is set to change come the new year. The 40-year-old received a non-fault eviction notice from the property management company in October, informing him that he must vacate the premises by the end of February.
3 Birds Housing Solutions declined an interview request and refrained from commenting citing privacy concerns. Housing Minister Joedy Wall explained in a statement that the transitional living program operated by 3 Birds necessitates tenant engagement as per specified rules and criteria. NLHC offers the property for the program at no cost and a support grant of $71,000.
Wall highlighted that the 3 Birds initiative is currently full with 12 residents, but similar arrangements are available across the province. He advised individuals unsuccessful in the program to seek assistance from established community organizations like Choices for Youth, Stella’s Circle, and End Homelessness St. John’s.
Harbin expressed aspirations of moving out of public housing into his own one-bedroom apartment but now faces uncertainties about his future living arrangements. With the added challenge of having a pet dog and lacking employment, finding a new place to reside proves to be arduous.
Daniel Kudla, an associate professor of sociology at Memorial University, concurred with other experts that the province and the country are grappling with a housing crisis. Factors such as a surge in homelessness rates, escalating rental prices, and prolonged social housing waitlists underscore the urgent need for a resolution.
Statistics from End Homelessness St. John’s reveal that by the end of September, at least 475 individuals were known to be homeless in the city, marking an increase from the previous year. Of this population, 67% are classified as experiencing chronic homelessness, defined by a minimum of six months spent homeless within the past year.
Kudla emphasized the detrimental impact of evictions from public housing, noting that individuals often find themselves caught in what he terms an “institutional circuit,” cycling between public systems like correctional facilities, hospitals, mental health facilities, and emergency shelters without a lasting solution.
As Harbin faces an uncertain future, he remains unsure of what lies ahead. He expressed doubts about securing affordable housing within the allocated four-month timeframe but affirmed his determination to try. Reflecting on the irony of his situation, he observed that the organization intended to provide housing security is now displacing him from the home he has known for the past two years.