Poverty, Substance Use and Mental illness are still seen by the public as moral failings, as though they are somehow controlled by people’s choices solely and not by circumstance and socioeconomic factors. The stigma around substance use creates isolation, a devastating cycle that is often the underlying cause of death among those affected. When people are judged or blamed for their struggles with addiction, they are less likely to seek help, and instead, many turn inward, feeling alone and marginalised. This isolation, compounded by shame and guilt, creates a powerful barrier to recovery. Stigma also leads to major challenges in finding stable housing. People with histories of substance use are frequently denied housing or evicted, pushing them further into a cycle of homelessness, poverty and insecurity.

In Amherst, Nova Scotia, The Cumberland Homelessness and Housing Support Association is a low-barrier, trauma-informed adult shelter that is actively working to change this. By providing a supportive environment where individuals can seek shelter without fear of judgement, the shelter helps them find stable housing, receive supportive services, and regain their dignity. This shelter model reduces stigma, providing compassionate care that acknowledges trauma and builds real connections, which are essential to breaking cycles of addiction and homelessness. The opposite of addiction is not sobriety; it is connection.

By Ashley Legere