Nova Scotia

New 20-bed emergency shelter to open in Lower Sackville

The province has announced a fourth emergency shelter that will open for people experiencing homelessness this winter. The latest shelter will be located in Lower Sackville.

Provincial government providing $378,000 to support shelter at St. Elizabeth Seton Church

Business owners say homeless people often sleep outside of their store and they worry customers won't find it appealing.
The Nova Scotia government has announced funding for a fourth emergency shelter in the province that will provide a warm, safe place for people experiencing homelessness during the winter. (Dillon Hodgin/CBC)

The province has announced funding for a fourth emergency shelter that will open for people experiencing homelessness this winter.

In a news release Thursday, the province said it is providing $378,000 to support an emergency shelter in Lower Sackville.

The shelter will operate out of the St. Elizabeth Seton Church in conjunction with the Beacon House Interfaith Society, which will provide staffing and support services.

Located at 125 Metropolitan Ave., the shelter will open early this month and operate in the evenings and overnight.

There will be 20 beds available for all genders.

"Having a safe and warm place for people to sleep at night makes our communities safer and more welcoming places for all," Karla MacFarlane, minister of community services, said in the release Thursday.

"This funding and our partnership with Beacon House will also support those experiencing homelessness to connect with services."

Dartmouth shelter to open Monday

The province also said a new shelter in Dartmouth is expected to open on Monday. It will provide space for 20 men during the evening and overnight hours. It will be located at Christ Church at 61 Dundas St.

The group 902 ManUp will provide staffing and support services at the Dartmouth shelter. The non-profit volunteer organization will provide on-site staff to connect clients to community-based services that could include access to housing supports, social workers and harm-reduction assistance. This shelter will have a perimeter security and set closing hours.

The group is also providing support services at a new 40-bed emergency shelter that opened in Halifax in October. The provincially funded emergency shelter is located at 2029 North Park St., facing the Halifax Common.

Amherst emergency shelter

Meanwhile, the province announced last week that it is providing $360,000 in funding for a new emergency shelter for Cumberland County.

A media release said the project is being done in partnership with municipal governments and community organizations. 

The shelter is scheduled to open early this month at the Crossroads Community Church at 155 Church St., in Amherst, the news release said.

The shelter will provide 20 beds for all genders and will operate as an evening and overnight shelter until April 30.

Staffing and support services will be provided by the Cumberland Homelessness and Housing Support Association, also known as Cornerstone.