A sister’s search: What it’s like to have a loved one on the street battling addiction

Dyllan Taylor Humphrey spent most of a recent Saturday walking the streets of Moncton in search of her homeless younger brother. Eventually, she found him in the parking lot of a convenience store, digging through a garbage bag. The experience was eye-opening and mind-blowing as she witnessed the harsh realities of the increasing number of homeless people in the New Brunswick city.

The number of people without a place to live has been on the rise across New Brunswick, with Moncton, Saint John, and Fredericton seeing about 1,543 people homeless for at least a day in March. Taylor Humphrey was shocked to see small groups of people huddling on vacant lots in oversized jackets and blankets, or individuals pulling shopping carts full of their belongings and looking through garbage.

For Taylor Humphrey, the search for her brother was a mix of emotions. Growing up in a rural community with her two younger brothers, she had fond memories of her youngest brother, who was once an honors student and athlete. However, his 12-year battle with drug addiction has led him to a life on the streets.

Finding her brother in such a vulnerable state was heartbreaking for Taylor Humphrey. She recalled the loving and caring person he used to be, contrasting it with the survival mode she witnessed him in on the streets of Moncton. The guilt of having a place to call home while he lived in such conditions weighed heavily on her.

Navigating a relationship with a loved one battling addiction and homelessness is a complex and challenging task. Taylor Humphrey shared how her brother’s drug use shifted between good days and bad, creating a cycle that was difficult to break. Setting boundaries became essential for her to maintain a relationship with him while protecting herself and her family.

After finding her brother in the parking lot, Taylor Humphrey provided him with essentials like food, Gatorade, and warm clothes. She also ensured he had a place to rest for a few hours before taking him to Ensemble Moncton, a harm reduction organization that offers support and resources for individuals struggling with addiction.

The reality of the increasing number of overdoses in Moncton was another stark realization for Taylor Humphrey. First responders like Keith Guptill, deputy chief of operations with the Moncton Fire Department, highlighted the challenges of reversing overdoses, especially with tainted drugs like fentanyl laced with other substances circulating in the city.

Ensemble Moncton has become a lifeline for many individuals seeking support and assistance. Scott Phipps, the executive director, emphasized the importance of providing a safe space for those in need and connecting them with resources for housing and medical care. The organization’s efforts to help individuals find shelter and reconnect with their families are crucial in addressing the complex issue of homelessness and addiction.

Taylor Humphrey remains hopeful that her brother’s story doesn’t end on the streets of Moncton. Despite the challenges and setbacks, she believes that with the right support and resources, he can make a positive change in his life. The need for compassion and additional resources for individuals struggling with addiction and homelessness is clear, emphasizing the importance of community support and understanding in addressing these pressing issues.