The Bridge Integrated Services Shelter Extended

The Province has extended its lease for The Bridge, a first-of-its-kind integrated services shelter with on-site health services, for one year.

The Bridge is a collaborative effort of the departments of Community Services, Health and Wellness and Addictions and Mental Health, as well as Nova Scotia Health and service providers Adsum for Women and Children and Welcome Housing & Support Services.

“This is a great example of how an innovative model can successfully support vulnerable Nova Scotians,” said Community Services Minister Brendan Maguire. “Since The Bridge opened last May, 42 people have advanced to housing options including a mix of private, non-profit and public housing. This is the system working.”

Since it opened on May 1, 2023, The Bridge has provided shelter for about 185 people who are experiencing housing insecurity each month. It has also reduced emergency department visits and long-term hospital stays, with more than 1,900 visits to the on-site health clinic since it opened, and an average of 125 clients accessing on-site extended health services per month.

Residents at The Bridge have access to housing support and extended health services, including an occupational therapist, continuing care co-ordinator and mental health and addictions counsellors.

The extended lease for the property on Wyse Road in Dartmouth runs from April 1, 2024, to March 31, 2025. Community Services is providing $19 million for the lease extension and operational funding including service providers, security and food.

Quotes:

“The continued need for shelter isn’t a cause for celebration but until solutions to homelessness are realized, The Bridge serves as a lifeline for hundreds of our neighbours. Thanks to continued funding and a dedicated staff team, each day nearly 200 people will have access to safe shelter, food and basic health services at The Bridge.”
— Sheri Lecker, Executive Director, Adsum for Women and Children

"Welcome Housing is pleased to extend our partnership for another year in offering housing support services to clients at The Bridge. At the same time, we are saddened that this extension is necessary for our community and our province. We remain dedicated to providing long-term, sustainable, affordable housing options and in the meantime, we will continue to work diligently to offer housing support and options to those sheltering at The Bridge."
— Laura MacKay, Executive Director, Welcome Housing & Support Services

Quick Facts:

• all non-healthcare referrals to the shelter will continue to be managed by Adsum for Women and Children, and all housing support services will be provided by Welcome Housing & Support Services
• there are now 558 shelter beds across the province, with 399 in Halifax Regional Municipality
• Nova Scotia’s first supportive housing approach offers affordable housing with supports for individuals and families who are at risk of or are experiencing housing insecurity
• it combines rental or housing assistance with individualized, flexible and voluntary support services for people with needs related to physical or mental health, developmental disabilities or substance abuse

Additional Resources:

News release – New Healthcare Initiative a First in Atlantic Canada: https://news.novascotia.ca/en/2023/04/21/new-healthcare-initiative-first-atlantic-canada-0