ST. JOHN'S — When family told Raylynn White her cousin had "graduated," there was no celebration. The phrase meant the opposite: a social worker’s assessment concluded Michael Morrison no longer qualifies for the Community Support Program run by Newfoundland and Labrador Health Services, and the supports he depends on are slated to end.
Supports at stake
Morrison, 44, was born with a developmental disability and lives with OCD, autism and anxiety. He has lived in his St. John’s apartment for two years, since his mother died. White holds power of attorney and has acted as Morrison’s advocate.
White says the loss of supports would be devastating. Morrison currently receives weekly help from a support worker to manage daily tasks, a monthly rental subsidy and a small chequing for utilities — all of which would stop under the recent decision.
| Support | Amount / Frequency |
|---|---|
| Support worker | Six hours per week |
| Rental subsidy | $1,000 per month |
| Electricity assistance | About $75 |
“My life would be a mess without that,” Morrison told CBC News in his apartment. He said he fears becoming homeless if the supports are removed.
“Oh my goodness … developmental disability doesn't go away,”
White said the assessment was delivered over the phone and described the decision as a shock. The family is now scrambling to understand the appeals process and whether alternative supports can be found before the January deadline.
Broader questions about program decisions
The Community Support Program is facilitated by Newfoundland and Labrador Health Services. The program provides in-home and community-based supports, including assistance with daily living and rental subsidies, to eligible people with developmental and other disabilities.
Public information from the health authority outlines eligibility assessments conducted by social workers, but White’s account raises questions about how those assessments are made and what options are available to those deemed to have "graduated." The family says they were given little time and limited avenues to appeal.
Advocates and caregivers across the province have long said that losing a single support can set off a chain reaction: daily routines break down, independent living becomes untenable, and housing stability is threatened. Morrison’s case is an immediate example of that risk.
What neighbours and readers should know
- Supports at stake include in-home hours, a rental subsidy and a small utility allowance.
- The decision followed a social worker’s assessment; details of the assessment were not provided to the family in-depth, according to White.
- Loss of supports is scheduled to take effect in January.
White is exploring options — from appeals within the health authority to community agencies that may provide short-term help — but she cautions those routes may not be quick enough to prevent a crisis. The family is also seeking clarity on whether a reassessment or a transition plan could be arranged to avoid an abrupt cut-off.
Voices from the community
This story comes as part of Confronting Crisis, a CBC Newfoundland and Labrador series examining front-line community work and the people who fall through systemic cracks. The series has documented similar situations where patients and clients are left without staff or supports when eligibility changes, or when timelines and communication are inadequate.
Morrison’s case underscores the human consequences of administrative decisions. In small, tightly knit communities, the loss of a few hours of support or a rental subsidy can mean the difference between stable housing and homelessness.
For now, Morrison and White await more information from Newfoundland and Labrador Health Services about the assessment and any appeal processes. They say time is short and the stakes are high.
If readers have experience with the Community Support Program or know of resources that could help families facing sudden loss of supports, the family welcomes information and assistance as they navigate the coming weeks.
