The Bridge Shelter Extended
The Province is extending its lease for The Bridge, an innovative integrated services shelter with on-site health support in Dartmouth.
“This is a powerful example of government and community partners coming together to support vulnerable Nova Scotians,” said Scott Armstrong, Minister of Opportunities and Social Development. “The Bridge offers more than just immediate shelter – it provides a pathway to stable housing. The success of this model shows that with the right support, people can move from crisis to stability.”
The Bridge is a collaborative initiative of the departments of Opportunities and Social Development, Health and Wellness and Seniors and Long-Term Care; the Office of Addictions and Mental Health; Nova Scotia Health; and service providers Adsum for Women and Children and Welcome Housing & Support Services.
Since opening on May 1, 2023, The Bridge has provided shelter for more than 400 people experiencing housing insecurity. Ninety-eight people have advanced to housing options, which include a mix of private, non-profit and public housing. It has also reduced emergency department visits and long-term hospital stays, with more than 6,300 visits to the on-site health clinic in the past two years.
Residents have access to housing support and a range of health services, including an occupational therapist, continuing care co-ordinator, VON, the Mobile Outreach Street Health clinic, and mental health and addictions counsellors.
The new five-year lease for the property on Wyse Road runs from April 1, 2025, to March 31, 2030. The length of this renewed agreement ensures the space can adapt to evolving community need.
Opportunities and Social Development is providing $23.9 million for the lease extension and operational funding including service providers, security and food.
Quotes:
“Government is working together across departments and with its partners to do things differently and help those in need in our community. The Bridge is an innovative approach that offers people experiencing homelessness a safe place to recuperate when they’re well enough to be released from the hospital so they can fully recover and transition to permanent housing.”
— Michelle Thompson, Minister of Health and Wellness
Quick Facts:
- The Bridge is part of Nova Scotia’s first supportive housing approach, combining rental or housing assistance with flexible, voluntary support services for people and families at risk of or experiencing housing insecurity
- there are now 590 shelter beds across the province, including 442 in Halifax Regional Municipality
- non-healthcare referrals to The Bridge will continue to be managed by Adsum for Women and Children, and housing support services will continue to be provided by Welcome Housing & Support Services
- the Province is investing $26.1 million in The Bridge, including $23.9 million from Opportunities and Social Development and $2.2 million from Health and Wellness, to support operations, service providers and on-site healthcare
Additional Resources:
News release – The Bridge Integrated Services Shelter Extended: https://news.novascotia.ca/en/2024/03/07/bridge-integrated-services-shelter-extended
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