Homelessness can be the result of numerous situations. Drug addictions, a lack of income, and fleeing from an abusive family member, are three of the leading causes of homelessness. In Fredericton, homelessness is a prominent issue. There are a large number of homeless people living on the streets in Fredericton. The number of homeless people in Fredericton is more than likely significantly larger than what it appears, as there are a large amount of homeless people who are seeking shelter in places other than the streets such as abandoned buildings or are temporarily staying with friends or relatives as they have nowhere else to live. In the past, Fredericton shelters have unfortunately had to deny some people a place to stay due to the limited amount of space. The limited space poses more of a problem during the winter months, as the weather is harsh and more people tend to rely on shelters for longer periods of time. 

​

Removing someone from their homeless lifestyle is not as simple as getting a job. Getting a job is a difficult task for a well off citizen. For one who is homeless, the task is much more difficult. A homeless applicant is disadvantaged when looking for work. Unlike a typical job applicant, a homeless person may not have attire appropriate for an interview or a typed resume. Their lack of a permanent address makes contacting the homeless applicant a challenge. Additionally, if the applicant has a history of drug addiction or a criminal background, their chances of obtaining a job are drastically lowered.