Nova Scotia has not met its promise to install 200 self-contained, fibreglass shelters for the homeless, with fewer than 10 per cent of the shelters set up more than eight months after the pledge was made. The government is working on opening 96 more shelters in sites across Kentville, Whitney Pier, and Dartmouth, but is still searching for suitable locations for the remaining 85 units. Community Services Minister Brendan Maguire stated they are looking everywhere for potential sites and are in the process of hiring more staff to help with the initiative.
The province announced in October 2023 that it was purchasing 200 shelters from the American company Pallet for $7.5 million, with 100 of them designated for use in Halifax. Currently, there are 19 people residing in individual Pallet shelters at a site in Lower Sackville, along with separate washrooms and a laundry facility. According to the Affordable Housing Association of Nova Scotia, as of last Tuesday, 1,281 people in the Halifax Regional Municipality reported being homeless, with 892 considered chronically homeless. The province also spent $3 million this past winter to set up an emergency shelter in the Halifax Forum with capacity for up to 100 beds.
The capacity of shelters in Halifax is described as being “fluid day-to-day” by Maguire, with some days seeing full occupancy and others not. In March, Halifax dismantled and cleared out three authorized encampments in city parks used by homeless individuals. The city has reclaimed some of these sites, but new, undesignated encampments continue to grow. There are four green spaces designated as tenting sites by the municipality, but some are overflowing with tents. For example, the grassy berm near Dalhousie University, recommended to house six tents, had 27 tents in place as of a recent count, leading to an increase in noise and pests according to nearby residents.
Maguire mentioned that the main challenge the department faces in setting up more shelters is the availability of human resources. He reiterated that the government is actively seeking suitable locations for the remaining shelters and is committed to addressing the homelessness crisis in the province. The government has purchased the shelters from Pallet as part of its efforts to provide more housing options for the homeless population, especially in areas like Halifax where the problem is particularly pronounced. Despite the delays in setting up the shelters, Maguire assured that progress is being made and additional units will be ready for residents to move into soon.
The situation of homelessness in Halifax is a pressing issue, with over 1,200 people in the Halifax Regional Municipality reporting that they are homeless. The Affordable Housing Association of Nova Scotia reported that 892 of these individuals are considered chronically homeless, emphasizing the need for more housing solutions. The province’s investment in emergency shelters and the purchase of the self-contained shelters from Pallet indicate the government’s recognition of the urgency of the situation. As shelters continue to operate at varying capacities and encampments grow in the city, efforts to provide more stable housing options for the homeless population are crucial for addressing the root causes of homelessness and providing support to those in need.
In conclusion, Nova Scotia’s efforts to address homelessness through the installation of self-contained shelters have faced challenges in finding suitable locations and human resources. Despite this, progress is being made in setting up more shelters in various sites across the province. The homelessness crisis in Halifax remains a significant issue, with many individuals in need of stable housing solutions. The government’s investment in emergency shelters and the purchase of shelters from Pallet demonstrate a commitment to addressing the problem. It is crucial that ongoing efforts are made to provide adequate support and housing options for those experiencing homelessness in Nova Scotia.
