Province to Reopen Temporary Winter Shelter

People in need of a place to spend the night will have another option again this winter.

Pendleton Place will provide overnight accommodation for up to 20 men and women 16 years of age and over who have trouble finding appropriate shelter, due to mental health, substance abuse or behavioural challenges.

Pendleton Place opens on Wednesday, Nov. 1, in Halifax and will operate until April 30, 2007.

"This winter shelter will ensure that people who are experiencing homelessness have a warm, safe, dry place to stay," said Community Services Minister Judy Streatch. "Pendleton Place offers accommodation for those who are not able to access beds at existing shelters."

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 may be available during the day, 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, will staff and operate the shelter.

"We continue to work with the government and the community to ensure that we can provide a winter shelter that meets the diverse needs of the people we serve," said Jerry Smyth, executive director of the society.

The shelter will be managed by Saint Leonard's Society staff experienced 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 Saint Leonard's Society has the skills and experience to help people who need extra support to access appropriate shelter," said Ms. Streatch. "We are so pleased that their expertise will once again allow us to provide this very important service for the community."