Kyle Harbin’s move from a private shelter to a shared house in downtown St. John’s was intended to bring stability and a fresh start to his life. He entered a lease for an apartment managed by 3 Birds Housing Solutions, the same company overseeing the shelter he was in. This arrangement, initiated in December 2023, was part of a supported living initiative funded by the Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation (NLHC) to aid individuals with complex needs.
Harbin’s rent, set at $700 per month, is deducted directly from his income assistance. Although this payment constitutes a significant portion of his monthly income, he manages with the aid of food banks and other support services. However, his situation is about to change as he received a no-fault eviction notice from 3 Birds Housing Solutions in October, requiring him to vacate the premises by the end of February.
The eviction notice, which CBC News obtained, clarified that the termination was not due to any rental agreement violation or tenant misconduct. It mentioned that the landlord had provided more than the mandatory 90-day written notice as per the regulations.
3 Birds Housing Solutions declined an interview request citing privacy concerns. Housing Minister Joedy Wall explained in an email statement that the transitional living program operated by 3 Birds necessitates tenant engagement based on specific rules and criteria. NLHC offers the property for the program at no charge and a support grant of $71,000.
Wall highlighted that when necessary, operators may request a resident to leave the program to accommodate others in need. He also mentioned that the 3 Birds initiative is currently at full capacity with 12 residents, but similar arrangements are available across the province through NLHC.
Harbin expressed his aspirations to move out of public housing into his own one-bedroom apartment, but the current circumstances make this goal increasingly unattainable. The prospect of finding a new place to live is daunting for him, particularly given his pet dog and lack of employment.
Daniel Kudla, an associate sociology professor at Memorial University, emphasized the housing crisis facing the province and the country. He pointed out the escalating homelessness rate, rising rental costs, and growing waitlists for social housing, underscoring the urgent need for resolution.
Data from End Homelessness St. John’s revealed that as of September’s end, at least 475 individuals were experiencing homelessness in the city, marking an increase from the previous year. The organization noted that the figures provided are likely an underestimate as they can only account for individuals they are aware of.
Kudla described the situation faced by evicted individuals as entering an “institutional circuit,” where they cycle between public systems like jails, hospitals, and homeless shelters without addressing their underlying issues. He criticized the eviction process from stable social housing as inhumane.
As Harbin contemplates his uncertain future, he expressed doubts about finding affordable housing within the four-month eviction notice period. Despite the challenges ahead, he remains determined to explore his options and secure a new place to call home.