Wolfville doesn’t have resources to deal with growing homeless problem, staff say

The town of Wolfville, Nova Scotia, is facing a growing issue of homelessness, prompting staff to seek assistance from non-profit organizations. With a population of about 5,000 people in 2021, the town has seen an increase in individuals living in tents in Robie Tufts Park near Main Street.

At a recent committee meeting, town council was informed that the current approach to helping these individuals is not sustainable. Mayor Jodi MacKay highlighted that town staff are not equipped to handle the complex needs of those experiencing homelessness, as they lack the necessary training in trauma-informed counseling and social work.

In response to the escalating situation, Wolfville town staff have reached out to Open Arms, a non-profit shelter in nearby Kentville, and the Canadian Mental Health Association’s Annapolis Valley Coordinated Access System for support. Alison Coldwell, who coordinates the access system, revealed that 169 unhoused individuals sought assistance from social agencies in various communities in the Annapolis Valley over the past year, indicating a larger issue at hand.

Despite efforts such as harm-reduction training, wellness checks, and providing access to facilities like a 24/7 washroom and shower, the town has struggled to connect individuals with stable housing. Council is now exploring options like opening a temporary shelter or implementing restrictions on camping in public spaces before winter sets in.

While the town lacks the resources to establish a shelter, MacKay emphasized the importance of finding solutions for the individuals in need rather than simply displacing them. Open Arms, which operates an emergency shelter and a pallet shelter village in Kentville, has been instrumental in providing support to vulnerable populations.

Coldwell’s Coordinated Access System aims to streamline access to social services for those in need, with designated “access points” across the region. By directing individuals to existing services and fostering relationships with those experiencing homelessness, municipalities like Wolfville can better support their community members.

Collaboration between local agencies and organizations like Open Arms gives Coldwell hope that all unhoused individuals can be assisted efficiently. Through this collective effort, she has observed an improvement in housing outcomes for those in need.

In conclusion, the town of Wolfville is recognizing the importance of working alongside non-profit organizations to address the issue of homelessness in their community. By leveraging existing resources and fostering collaboration, they aim to provide better support and assistance to vulnerable individuals.