New temporary homeless shelter for men opens in Halifax
A new temporary homeless shelter for men has recently opened in Halifax’s north end, housed within the historic St. Patrick’s church on Brunswick Street. The shelter, funded by the Nova Scotia government, provides space for 25 men, with the capacity to expand to accommodate up to 40 individuals. Minister of Opportunities and Social Development, Scott Armstrong, emphasized the importance of such shelters during extreme weather conditions, particularly in the harsh winter months.
The shelter offers two meals a day, sleeping kits, washrooms, showers, laundry facilities, and communal spaces for social interaction. The province has invested $1.1 million in this initiative, with Souls Harbour Rescue Mission serving as the service provider. Souls Harbour will provide staff, meals, housing support, case management, harm reduction, mental health and addiction services, as well as culturally specific programs tailored for diverse populations.
Cherry Laxton, Chief Operating Officer of Souls Harbour Rescue Mission, expressed their commitment to providing safe and dignified shelter options for the most vulnerable members of the community. The church underwent necessary repairs and safety inspections to ensure it met all requirements before opening its doors to those in need. The aim of the shelter is to provide temporary relief while working towards establishing permanent housing solutions for all individuals experiencing homelessness.
The St. Patrick’s church, built in the late 19th century and surviving the Halifax Explosion of 1917, now serves as a beacon of hope for those seeking shelter. Shelter Nova Scotia’s outreach team will work to inform individuals in encampments about the shelter’s availability and facilitate their relocation. With the addition of this new facility, a total of 80 temporary shelter beds have been added throughout the province this winter.
According to the Affordable Housing Association of Nova Scotia, as of February 26, 1,137 individuals in Halifax were in need of safe housing. The opening of the St. Patrick’s shelter represents a step towards addressing homelessness and providing vital support to those experiencing housing insecurity.
