CARE: Community crisis service expands reach to Halifax

The CARE program recently expanded to 24/7 service in Dartmouth, Cole Harbour and Woodlawn. (Emma Convey/CTV News Atlantic)

A community crisis support service has expanded its reach to include Halifax’s north end and waterfront.

First launched in October 2025, CARE – Crisis Assistance and Response – previously provided 24/7 service in Dartmouth (within the Highway 111 boundary), Woodlawn and Cole Harbour.

The pilot program provides in-person support for people 16 years and older who are experiencing “non-emergency, non-violent crises related to substance use, public intoxication, thoughts of suicide, mental health distress or well-being.”

CARE offers a safe alternative to calling police or other first responders, according to a news release from the Halifax Regional Municipality.

“CARE staff are specially trained in trauma-informed care, harm reduction, mental health first aid, suicide prevention and cultural humility. They are prepared to respond respectfully and effectively to people from diverse communities, including African Nova Scotians, Indigenous Peoples, 2SLGBTQIA+ and neurodiverse residents,” reads the release.

To access CARE, people can call 211 to be connected to a trained navigator who assesses the situation.

If the circumstances qualify for CARE, and do not involve violence or weapons, a mobile team will be dispatched to provide in-person support such as:

• calming and de-escalating a crisis
• making a safety plan
• helping someone get to a safe place
• connecting people to community supports after the crisis

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