St. John’s man with disability could become homeless after losing support program

This story is part of Confronting Crisis, a new series from CBC Newfoundland and Labrador exploring life on the front lines of community work. We’re sharing the stories of people falling through the cracks, and those fighting to catch them.

When Raylynn White was told her cousin “graduated,” she didn’t celebrate. 

The news, given over the phone, didn’t mean anyone was moving ahead. A recent assessment by a social worker determined her beloved relative Michael Morrison no longer qualifies for the Community Support Program facilitated by Newfoundland and Labrador Health Services.

Morrison, 44, was born with a developmental disability and has OCD, autism and anxiety. White has power of attorney and has taken on the role of Morrison’s advocate in recent years.

“My first response was, ‘Oh my goodness … developmental disability doesn’t go away,’’ said White.

But all the support Morrison receives is set to go away by January.

Making ends meet

Morrison receives six weekly hours with a support worker who helps with daily tasks, a $1,000 rental subsidy and about $75 for electricity, said White.

“My life would be a mess without that,” Morrison told CBC News during an interview in his St. John’s apartment, where he’s been living for the past two years since his mother died.

Morrison said the help allows him to live comfortably as a member of the community. He’s a Special Olympics bowling medalist, and loves playing the organ and accordion in his free time. 

He’s kept company by his two budgie birds at home, but all three of them could soon have to move. The government subsidy covers half of his rent, and the rest of his money comes from his cleaning job at Sobeys.

WATCH | ‘They just assumed I didn’t have a disability anymore’:

N.L. man says ‘life would be a mess’ without support for disability, but he could soon lose it

Michael Morrison of St. John’s is happy living in his apartment with his two birds. He receives help from a provincial program for those with disabilities, but a recent assessment found he no longer needs the help — and he fears he could become homeless as a result. The CBC’s Maddie Ryan reports in the first instalment of a new series, Confronting Crisis.

“I can’t concentrate on anything anymore,” said Morrison. “The fear of ending up homeless and then, like, if I had to leave here and [find] another place, that could be a problem.”

“I deserve better than this,” he said.

White is doing what she can to fight for Morrison. Although the pair is related on her husband’s side, she loves and cares for him like her own blood.

She’s asked for a reassessment, but said she was told the termination decision is final.

Last Tuesday, CBC News asked NLHS for an interview to explain what factors it uses to determine eligibility for its Community Support Program. A department spokesperson acknowledged the request and said a response was being worked on, but information has not been provided to CBC.

‘It can change like that’

Raylynn White looks on as Michael plays the accordion. She cares for him deeply and is fighting for his support to stay in place. (Mike Simms/CBC)

White’s biggest concern is that Morrison could end up in a shelter.

“We need to find a place for Michael that he feels safe. That’s the biggest thing. And with the cut of his rent, that’s not going to be possible,” said White.

White said she’s applied for public housing on Morrison’s behalf through the N.L. Housing Corporation, but she’s not hopeful anything will come through before the new year.

Running a household herself with a full-time job, White said she isn’t capable of caring for her cousin on her own. She doesn’t know what will happen next, but she said the system needs to improve not only for her cousin, but for everyone who might not have a strong advocate in their corner.

“When Michael got situated, we got the home support … I’m like, ‘We’re good,’ you know, ‘I can stop worrying about Michael a little bit,” said White.

“But it can change like that, and it certainly has.”

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