Province to Open Temporary Winter Shelter
People who have challenges accessing existing shelters will have a warm and safe place to go, thanks to the opening of Pendleton Place, an overnight shelter, that will operate from Nov. 1 to April 30, 2006, in Halifax.
The temporary winter shelter will serve up to 20 men or women over 16 years of age who may have challenges finding appropriate shelter for a variety reasons such as mental health, substance abuse or challenging behaviours.
"This shelter will provide a warm, safe, dry place to stay for people who might have otherwise spent the night on the street," said Community Services Minister David Morse. "It will offer accommodation for those who have difficulty accessing available beds at existing shelters."
Mr. Morse announced today, Oct. 25, that Pendleton Place will again be located at St. Patrick's Church, 2263 Brunswick St. It will operate daily from 4 p.m. to 8 a.m. In addition, support staff will be available between 8 a.m. and 11 a.m., Monday through Friday, to help people find other accommodations and make referrals to counseling, addiction services and other supports as necessary.
The province will provide more than $200,000 in operational funding for the shelter. The Saint Leonard's Society of Nova Scotia -- which operates a number of facilities for persons in transition, including Barry House in Halifax -- will staff and operate the shelter.
"We remain committed to working with the government and the community to ensure that we can make this winter shelter happen," said Jerry Smyth, executive director of the society. "We're really impressed with the support and co-operation from all levels."
Since June, a committee of shelter operators, mental health service providers Shared Care and Mobile Crisis Intervention Services, and Community Services staff have been meeting to address homelessness during winter months. Community organizations, advocates and other concerned citizens have also provided input about the needs of people who will be served by the shelter. The committee continues to work together to determine how to best provide longer term supports for these individuals.
The shelter will be staffed by workers with experience in helping people who are dealing with the complex issues of homelessness. Staff will help link people to resources and information about supports and treatments that meet their needs. The Department of Community Services provides a number of supports and services for people who are homeless. Department staff will help people to access these services as required.
"We're very pleased that the Saint Leonard's Society will once again operate a shelter for people who may need extra support to access appropriate shelter," said Mr. Morse. "Their expertise allows us to provide this very important service for the community."