St. John's families decry housing transfer process, as they deal with stressful living conditions

When criminal charges were laid against Jacinda McCormack's neighbour, she was sure the Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation would move her and her family. 

After all, McCormack said, an employee with the government agency told her an escalating conflict with her neighbour wasn't cause for a transfer to a different unit — unless it turned criminal.

"They (NLHC) shouldn't be making promises that they are not holding up," McCormack said in a recent interview at her housing unit on Eric Street.

"It's absolutely terrible what they're doing to us. We're not asking for much. A transfer is all we're asking for, you wouldn't think that they would let things get so far and not move us, you know?"

McCormack has been asking for a transfer since 2021. After CBC News began inquiring with the NLHC about rules surrounding transfers when criminal charges are in play, McCormack received notice that she's been added to a transfer list. 

McCormack has three children, including an eight-month-old daughter. She began living at the family unit in 2017, and had no issues for years. 

The problems started in 2021, she said, when she got in a relationship with her neighbour's ex-boyfriend.

Documents provided by McCormack show she had called police four times before the fractious situation reached its peak this May.

"[My neighbour] came into my home and tried to assault me. I then had to physically push her out of my home. Then she approached me again and hit me in the face and threatened to knock all my windows out and my cameras," said McCormack.

"I had a bunch of stuff on the side of my property and she threw it all on the ground."

Court records show the neighbour was charged with assault, mischief by interfering with use of property, and uttering threats to damage or destroy property. No pleas have been entered to date. 

McCormack said she sent police and court documents to the NLHC, as well as video and audio surveillance of the incidents. 

"They told me that if things escalate, escalate and charges were laid that they would be able to move me and give me the transfer," she said.

Despite that, McCormack said her request for a transfer was again denied. She said she was told NLHC doesn't move people over social issues.