For people who are experiencing homelessness, the first few months after transitioning into housing can be challenging. The transition can come with financial stresses, food insecurity, trouble navigating systems and resources, and adapting to independent living.

Welcome Home, a program launched by The Salvation Army’s community and family services in Moncton, N.B., offers personalized support to individuals during this transition. It provides essential items, such as food, pantry staples, cleaning supplies, furniture and other necessities, to help individuals create a safe and comfortable living space, setting them up for long-term success.

“There is a significant need in the community to support individuals transitioning out of homelessness into stable housing,” says Natasha Burkett, director of community and family services. “Almost all of our participants are dealing with mental health or addictions, and many of these individuals face challenges, such as social isolation, difficulty navigating systems, limited access to essential items and a lack of ongoing support, that can help them remain housed.”

Welcome Home addresses these needs through wraparound support, including help with basic household items, connections to community resources, check-in visits and assistance with adjusting to life in housing.

“Individuals who have recently transitioned from homelessness to housing are often still at risk of housing instability and benefit from compassionate and non-judgmental support to help them remain housed and integrated into the community,” explains Burkett.

The program began in 2024 after receiving an innovation grant from the territory and has since secured funding from various donors until the end of 2025. The program works directly with designated housing agencies in the community that refer people through a co-ordinated access system and guarantees ongoing case management.

Welcome Home is the only program of its kind in the area and, so far, feedback from both participants and partners has been overwhelmingly positive. The program has been praised for providing dignity and a sense of belonging to individuals who are often overlooked. In its first year, Welcome Home assisted 59 participants, all still in stable housing, and 18 participants to date have opted for ongoing life-skills training.

“Programs like Welcome Home are essential because housing alone is not enough,” says Burkett, adding that people coming out of homelessness often carry trauma, face systemic barriers and struggle with isolation or navigating daily responsibilities. Without support, they are at risk of returning to homelessness. Welcome Home provides the human connection, encouragement and practical help that makes housing sustainable. It provides tools for daily living, empowerment and dignity.

“We have seen first-hand the transformation that takes place when people have the support needed to make these important steps in their journey,” she says. “Welcome Home is a compassionate and community-based approach to ending chronic homelessness and helps ensure that people don’t just get housed, but that they stay housed.”

Learn more about Welcome Home: