Family relieved as health unit reverses decision to terminate St. John’s man’s social support

Newfoundland and Labrador Health Services is walking back a termination of support that left one man fearing he’d become homeless, following reporting by CBC News.

After an assessment from a social worker, Michael Morrison’s cousin and power of attorney Raylynn White was told earlier this month that Morrison’s benefits under the Community Support Program would end in January.

The 44-year-old Special Olympics bowler has a developmental disability and relies on the care and rental subsidies he’s been receiving for the past two years.

White received an email Monday afternoon — hours after CBC’s initial story was published — that alleviated the family’s worries of Morrison having to enter the shelter system, or worse. 

“Following further review and consideration, the decision has been made to continue home supports under the existing arrangement,” reads the email, sent by a Community Support Program manager.

“Please be assured that services will remain in place, and the proposed termination will not proceed.”

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

Morrison, who also has severe anxiety, said in an interview Monday evening his “anxiety went down all the way” after finding out he no longer has to worry about making ends meet.

He said it’s been a stressful time, and he’s excited to get back to life as normal.

“If there [were] any wicked witches trying to cast any spells or curses, I would have all the spells and curses broken,” said Morrison, describing his sense of relief.

White said she didn’t expect this outcome but she’s happy for it nevertheless. She said she did not receive an explanation as to why the decision was reversed.

NLHS has not yet provided information to CBC News for this story despite repeated requests for an interview.

In the aftermath of her and Morrison’s ordeal, White said she can’t help but think of the people in similar situations without advocacy. She is also worried about the next time her cousin has to go through an assessment and hopes she can educate decision makers about disabilities like Morrison’s by speaking out.

“Not everybody, I guess, has the courage or the ability to reach out [for help],” said White. “If I love somebody, that’s it — I’m going to go all out. And I’m really glad that I could do this for Michael.”

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