**** COMMUNITY SERVICES Release
New Overnight Shelter in Halifax Open Until March 31
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In partnership with Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM), the Province will operate a temporary overnight shelter at the Pavilion on the Halifax Common until March 31.
Twenty-five beds will be available from 9 p.m. until 9 a.m. The site replaces the temporary shelter that was at the George Dixon Centre for several nights this winter.
“I want to thank the municipality for providing the space to put this important overnight shelter in place,” said Karla MacFarlane, Minister of Community Services. “It ensures that anyone in the Halifax region who needs warm shelter during these cold evenings has a place to go any night, regardless of the weather.”
HRM will cover building operation expenses and the Province will cover staffing costs of about $30,000. After March 31, activating a temporary shelter will be determined on a case-by-case basis.
The Province has been working with the municipality throughout the winter to provide extreme weather sheltering to ensure individuals have access to warm spaces.
Quotes:
“This initiative speaks to the importance of collaboration between our levels of government – and the impact it can have on helping respond to the challenges faced by those experiencing homelessness in our region. While there remains more work to be done, meaningful progress is being made.”
– Mike Savage, Mayor, Halifax Regional Municipality
Quick Facts:
— the Pavilion is located at 5816 Cogswell St., Halifax
— as of February 22, there were 473 people in HRM experiencing homelessness according to the By-Name List maintained by the Affordable Housing Association of Nova Scotia
