Minister Announces Community Organization to Operate New Shelter

COMMUNITY SERVICES--Minister Announces Community Organization to Operate New Shelter

A local community organization will soon be operating a new homeless shelter in Sydney, Community Services Minister David Morse announced today, Oct. 28.

"Back in July, I made a commitment that we would work with the community to ensure a homeless shelter was in place before winter," said Mr. Morse. "I'm pleased to announce that we have reached an agreement with a local organization that will operate a new shelter in Sydney."

Mr. Morse said the Cape Breton Community Housing Association will be establishing the shelter. The association has been serving the needs of adults with mental illness or addictions in the community for more than 25 years.

"This is a reputable organization with a long history of service to the community," said the minister. "The group is committed to working closely with members of the community to re-establish a service that is responsive to the needs of the homeless in the Sydney area."

The Department of Community Services will use the funding it set aside in July to provide an annual grant of $77,000 toward the shelter's annual operating expenses. The Cape Breton Community Housing Association Charitable Foundation will be responsible for the balance of the funding.

"This is a strong, stable organization that Cape Bretoners can count on," said Mr. Morse. "We are very pleased to be working with them."

Over the past few months, the department has arranged for shelter for those in need on an individual basis. It will continue to do so until the new shelter opens.

"The weather is getting colder and no one should be without a roof over their head," said Mr. Morse. "We want to encourage anyone in need of a place to stay before the new shelter opens to contact one of our offices for assistance. We're here to help."

Community Services offices are located at the Provincial Building in Sydney, the Parsons Building in North Sydney, and Senator's Place in Glace Bay. For more information contact 902-563-3300.