Additional Shelter Space in Truro

People experiencing homelessness in the Truro area will soon have access to more shelter spaces, providing safe, warm places to sleep away from the elements.

A temporary emergency overnight shelter will open Monday night, February 12, in Connection Church, 38 Pleasant St. The hours will be 9 p.m. to 9 a.m. Monday to Saturday and it will close at 8 a.m. on Sunday mornings. The shelter, with services provided by Souls Harbour Rescue Mission, will operate until April 30.

“Our service providers identified that people experiencing homelessness in Truro were in need of additional supports,” said Trevor Boudreau, Minister of Community Services. “This partnership with Souls Harbour and Truro Housing Outreach Society helps more people come inside, while connecting them to services and supports.”

The shelter will have 15 beds, based on the current needs of the community. Guests will receive meals, and through the Truro Housing Outreach Society, they will have access to showers. They will also have laundry access two days a week.

The society has expanded its hospitality program at Haven House. Clients who are staying at the new shelter, as well as anyone else experiencing housing insecurity in the community, are encouraged to stop by Wednesday evenings from 5 to 8 p.m. or Sundays from 4 to 8 p.m.

The Province is providing funding for the shelter location, as well as operating and staff costs. Wraparound services will be provided through an existing partnership with the society and include housing support services.

Quotes:

“A safe, warm space to get shelter from the cold and a nourishing meal is something that everyone should have access to, and this DCS funding allows us to make sure this is a reality for individuals in need.”
— Cherry Laxton, Chief Operating Officer, Souls Harbour Rescue Mission

“The Truro Housing Outreach Society (THOS) is grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with the Department of Community Services on the temporary winter shelter initiative and is grateful for Soul’s Harbour establishing the partnership with Connections Church. The need for shelter beds and accompanying wraparound services has increased dramatically in Colchester County. This is a beautiful example of inter-agency collaboration that addresses increasing community needs.”
— Krista McNair, Executive Director, Truro Housing Outreach Society

Quick Facts:

• the Province is providing about $160,000 for this temporary overnight emergency shelter in Truro
• the Truro shelter location brings the total of shelter beds in the province to 534
• there are currently 643 supportive housing units across the province, with 474 created since fall 2021

Additional Resources:

News release – More Supports for People Experiencing Homelessness: https://novascotia.ca/news/release/?id=20231207001

News release – Emergency Winter Shelter Opening in HRM: https://novascotia.ca/news/release/?id=20231103001

News release – More Funding for Supportive Housing, Shelter Options: https://novascotia.ca/news/release/?id=20231011002

News release – New Supportive Housing for Women, Gender-Diverse People Experiencing Homelessness: https://novascotia.ca/news/release/?id=20231110001