Evicted motel tenants 'teetering on the edge of homelessness' after plans fall through

Evicted tenants from a motel outside Fredericton have no where to go because their temporary accommodations didn't go as planned.

Five tenants were staying at a nearby hotel with support from the Department of Social Development and the New Brunswick Housing Corp., after being evicted from the Airport Inn. 

But they were told their stay was no longer subsidized and were forced out. 

Now the former tenants are back at the Airport Inn, living without power or water, after the building failed an electrical check last month. 

Lorna Veniot is one of those people. She has sleep apnea and needs a machine when she sleeps. She is worried about her health.

"I'm terrified, what if I stop breathing?" she said. "Have we been treated like human beings? Since June 13, no."

She said she wasn't sure how long she would be allowed to stay at the nearby hotel. She said she has applied to 21 apartments and places to stay, and to a homeless shelter.

"Every day I was waiting for them to tell me how many more nights I had left. I never know where I'll stay the next day, but at least I had a shower and food."

WATCH | Returning tenants ineligible for assistance, Social Development says: 

Why some tenants are back at Fredericton-area motel with no power, water

1 day ago

Duration 1:48

Twenty-five people were evicted from the Airport Inn after it failed an electrical inspection in June. Five tenants have returned, unable to find help from the province.

In a statement, the Department of Social Development and N.B. Housing said, "Staff have met with each affected individual to check on them and to assess their needs and go through the options available to them."

The statement did not specify why those staying at the nearby hotel had to leave. 

All portable toilets provided by Social Development have been removed from the premises. 

David Coon, the MLA for Fredericton-Lincoln, said he heard from evicted tenants after they heard they'll be moving for a second time.

"I received a phone call from one elderly lady who was in tears and was having a hard time composing herself," he said. "It's quite disconcerting. They're feeling like they're teetering on the edge of homelessness now."

In a statement a spokesperson for Social Development said staff have met with all of the tenants.

"Housing has been offered to everyone who qualifies for N.B. Housing programs — but some tenants have income that makes them ineligible."

The department said "anyone who remains at the Airport Inn is there at their own choosing."