Through 2022 and into 2023, the Moncton Seventh-day Adventist Church in New Brunswick has been partnered with ADRA and The Humanity Project – a local charity organization dedicated to feeding the hungry and housing those without shelter. Founded by Charlie Burrel, the Humanity Project runs on the tireless energy of community volunteers, including individuals from the church. Volunteers representing ADRA and the church prepare and serve meals to those in need.

Recently, the government of New Brunswick asked The Humanity Project to manage a new winter emergency shelter in Moncton. This shelter currently serves 128 people – many of whom are prone to troublesome behaviours that have gotten them barred from other shelters. One liaison at the partnered Ray of Hope soup kitchen reports that this has led to a high probability of witnessing violence or drug overdoses at the site.

While this situation may potentially seem volatile and frightening, there are more signs of hope. The Humanity Project announced that professionals from a local counselling service would begin offering mental health and recovery support to their shelter guests starting January 2, 2023.