Halifax mayor says city is past the worst of its housing crisis, advocates disagree

The issue of homelessness in Halifax continues to be a pressing concern, with conflicting viewpoints on whether the situation is improving or worsening. Mayor Andy Fillmore, who took office after resigning as MP for Halifax, believes that the city is making progress in addressing the housing shortage, thanks to new shelter and housing options.

According to Fillmore, Nova Scotia has funded 390 shelter beds in Halifax, with an additional 40 expected to be available this winter. The province has also opened a 185-unit transitional shelter run by Adsum for Women and Children, as well as established 50 single-occupancy shelters with plans for 85 more in the area. Despite these efforts, the Affordable Housing Association of Nova Scotia reports that as of December 10, 1,238 people in the Halifax Regional Municipality are homeless, excluding over 200 children receiving support from Adsum.

However, homelessness advocates like Sheri Lecker of Adsum argue that the crisis is far from over, with the number of unhoused individuals continuing to rise. Adsum provides housing for around 100 people, oversees 200 in shelter beds, and offers emergency housing and hotel rooms to over 300 people, including 217 children. Lecker emphasizes that the organization is overwhelmed with requests for assistance and has to turn people away on a daily basis.

Steve Wilsack of Housing First Nova Scotia echoes these concerns, noting that new homeless encampments are appearing across the city, including in rural areas. He highlights the presence of “hidden homeless” individuals living in sheds and makeshift camps in the woods to avoid traditional shelters due to safety concerns. With the demand for housing and shelter exceeding the available options, Wilsack warns that the number of newly homeless individuals is growing each week.

In response to the ongoing crisis, Fillmore has advocated for the closure of homeless encampments in Halifax, citing the need to move people into more stable living situations. Despite facing opposition from some councillors, Fillmore remains committed to eliminating designated encampment sites and accelerating efforts to provide alternative housing solutions. While progress may be slow, Fillmore believes that signaling a new direction is a step in the right direction for the municipality.

Ultimately, the debate over Halifax’s homeless crisis underscores the urgent need for collaborative solutions to address the root causes of homelessness and provide sustainable housing options for vulnerable populations. As the city grapples with the ongoing challenges of homelessness, it is clear that a multifaceted approach involving government, community organizations, and residents is essential to making meaningful progress towards ending homelessness in Halifax.