N.S. organizations work together to support those experiencing homelessness this Christmas

Groups are stepping up to help people experiencing homelessness in Halifax this Christmas.

While many families across Nova Scotia are preparing their Christmas meals, decorating their homes, and gathering with loved ones, others are facing a much different reality.

In Halifax and across the province, shelters and missions are seeing increased demand in those experiencing homelessness, some attribute this to the rising housing costs.

“The needs are still large in Nova Scotia because of the housing crisis and rent prices are still going up so more people continue to fall into homelessness,” says Rachel Boehm, executive director of community safety for the Halifax Regional Municipality.

As temperatures drop, the risks for those living outside increase significantly. At the same time, the holidays can intensify feelings of isolation for those without a home.

Many community organizations are stepping up to help this season. Souls Harbour Rescue Mission’s Men’s Shelter is one that’s doing Christmas meals and giving out stockings.

“I find it’s not just the holidays it’s the weather that really makes a difference, but with the holidays it just brings more people in need because they don’t have a home where they can celebrate Christmas,” says Steve Ferrand, assistant manager of the Souls Harbour Rescue Mission Men’s Shelter.

The shelter provides 33 men with a safe place to sleep and meals. This will be their first Christmas since opening their doors in February.

“We plan on giving them stockings for the guy, we are also doing a ham dinner tomorrow and then a brunch and Chinese food on Christmas day,” adds Ferrand.

They have a nightly waitlist that’s first come first serve. Currently 11 more beds at their shelter are in progress.

“It’s been colder earlier this year which has made it more difficult, but we do what we can. If someone comes on and we don’t have a bed for them, but we do have a sweater or blanket that we do have, we will give it to them,” adds Ferrand.

Other organizations are also getting on board to help, they too have seen an influx in the need for their services in recent weeks.

Lisa Harrison, the executive director of Brunswick Street Mission says demand around Christmas is high.

“We count a lot on donations this time of year to help us really pad it out. Over the last few weeks, we have really raised the number of people who we let through our doors. So usually, we would see around 40-45 households throughout our doors a day, right now it’s 50-55,” she says.

They provide groceries, meals and warm clothes to those in need, and that doesn’t stop because of Christmas holidays.

“We are closed on Christmas and boxing day to give my staff a much-needed break and then we are open between Christmas until New Year’s,” says Harrison.

Despite operating with smaller teams over the holidays, the Halifax Regional Municipality says outreach efforts will continue.

Boehm says HRM staff are making a point to check in with those most at risk, especially leading up to Christmas.

“We know where people are living in the designated encampments and where people are living rough and we will check in and give the extra effort to give gift cards or make sure people have really warm clothes,” adds Boehm.

Boehm says there are also several indoor options for people.

“There are options almost available every day now, indoor options. It’s really about matching people to an option that works for them. Some are communal shelters and some private shelter options with a locked door. People may not be aware that there are so many options out there, so it is important we get out and share this information with them,”

The province says there are resources available for people who need a place to get out of the cold.

According to Cyd LePage, director of homelessness and supportive housing with the Department of Opportunities and Social Development, it funds hundreds of shelter beds across Nova Scotia.

“The department funds 585 shelter beds and that is from Sydney down to Yarmouth. So, individuals who are sleeping rough or experiencing homelessness can access one of our shelter beds,” says Cyd LePage, Opportunities and Social Development Homelessness and supportive housing director for the Department of Opportunities and Social development.

The province also has one warming shelter on Windsor Street in Halifax when the weather becomes harsh.

“Durning extreme weather there are emergency beds that are added to shelters that are already 24/7 through the nine providers across the province. But when there are certain areas where there are specific areas that are seeing an increase in the individuals requiring that support then we will work with the municipality and service providers, that’s what’s happening in the Windsor area,” adds LePage.

When the extreme weather response is activated, the province say it can open an additional 90 beds.

“We have nine service providers across the province who will activate their extreme weather response, that could be extending their hours, opening more shelter beds, providing drop-in service for individuals,” adds LePage.

LePage adds that if someone is experiencing homelessness and needs support, especially during these harsh weather days or nights, call 211 for support.

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