Over 100 homeless individuals in New Brunswick died in 2025
More than 100 individuals who were homeless in New Brunswick tragically passed away in 2025, displaying the dire state of housing insecurity in the province. Stakeholders and municipal officials shed light on the fatalities among the growing unhoused or precariously housed population in New Brunswick.
Multiple deaths have been linked to drug overdoses, occurring shortly after individuals were able to secure housing. From Saint John to Miramichi, each area in the province had its own share of tragedies that showcased the severity of homelessness.
In Saint John alone, Fresh Start Services reported a total of 38 deaths in the area in 2025, with 22 individuals unhoused at the time of their passing. Sixteen others had obtained housing briefly before their deaths, indicating that challenges related to homelessness persisted even after securing shelter.
Similarly, Moncton saw a decrease in the number of deaths compared to the previous year, with 35 individuals remembered at a ceremony in December. Despite this small drop, the persisting crisis of homelessness continues to impact vulnerable members of the community.
Fredericton experienced 19 deaths among the homeless population in 2025, predominantly attributed to drug overdoses, highlighting the urgent need for intervention and support for this population. Warren Maddox, executive director of Fredericton Homeless Shelters Inc., voiced his concerns about the rising death toll, emphasizing the importance of addressing the root causes of homelessness and substance abuse.
St. Stephen, Miramichi, and the Upper St. John River Valley also reported several deaths within their homeless populations, underscoring the widespread nature of this issue across the province. Municipal officials and service organizations have been working tirelessly to provide support and resources to those in need, but challenges persist in addressing the complex factors contributing to homelessness and its associated risks.
Dr. Sara Davidson, a healthcare provider in downtown Fredericton, emphasized the vulnerability of individuals experiencing homelessness, noting that neglect of health issues can have lasting consequences. She expressed the difficulty in accurately tracking the number of deaths among this population due to the transient nature of their living situations and the barriers they face in accessing adequate healthcare.
Despite the challenges and hardships faced by homeless individuals in New Brunswick, there is hope for positive change through increased awareness, harm reduction initiatives, and support from community organizations and service providers. By addressing the underlying issues driving homelessness and providing comprehensive, sustainable solutions, it is possible to reduce the number of deaths and improve the overall well-being of those affected by housing insecurity in the province.