Helping address homelessness

Municipal statement on March 14, 2024

Over the past several weeks, the municipality has been taking a number of steps to provide supports to those experiencing homelessness in our region, and particularly to those sleeping rough in de-designated locations.

Read the March 14, 2024 Municipal statement regarding Grand Parade and ongoing support to those experiencing homelessness

 

Collaborating to address the homelessness crisis

The shared vision is that every resident of the Halifax Regional Municipality has a safe, supportive, and sustainable home and that all homes are purposely constructed for long-term human habitation, built to safety codes and standards, and in a suitable location based on access to transportation and amenities and municipal planning strategies. The municipality is committed to working with all orders of government, service providers and communities to realize this vision. 

While the province is responsible to lead addressing homelessness in all of Nova Scotia’s municipalities, the Halifax Regional Municipality also has an important role to play – and is committed to applying resources to support efforts aimed at helping to address homelessness in the Halifax region. 

As housing insecurity continues to be an issue in the region, work with community partners and other orders of government has significantly accelerated, and collaboration has expanded to help address both affordable housing and homelessness.

The Province of Nova Scotia has the mandate to provide:

  • Public housing and programs for people with low to modest income
  • Affordable housing throughout the province, including housing options for those experiencing homelessness 

To find information on community groups and not-for-profit and charitable organizations in our region supporting those experiencing homelessness, please visit the 211 website.

Addressing barriers

The municipality is working with and listening to those experiencing homelessness to identify barriers for those who may not or cannot accept indoor sheltering options. These insights are being shared with the province to inform ways to address these barriers.

Better options

Indoor facilities are a better option than sleeping rough. They provide a warm space, electricity, running water, showers, laundry services, regular meals and a place to store belongings. They also provide on-site access to much needed supports and a pathway to longer-term housing options.

Adapting our approach

The municipality has adapted its approach to reflect changes that are impacting the homelessness crisis. As capacity for indoor shelters and supportive housing options continues to increase, the municipality is directing its focus away from the provision of designated locations and towards helping those experiencing homelessness to access better accommodation options. The municipality is constantly assessing the need for designated locations. As more indoor shelter spaces and supportive housing options become available, more parks will be closed, de-designated and returned to their intended purposes as spaces for everyone. 

Video series

Answers to Commonly Asked Questions about Homelessness 

The homelessness crisis is impacting communities across Canada and beyond. One of the people working to help address homelessness in our region is Max Chauvin, Director of Housing & Homelessness with the Halifax Regional Municipality.

Max regularly hears from residents who want to learn more about this serious topic, including what is being done to support those experiencing homelessness. Through this informational video series, you will hear from Max, and partners, in an effort to address your questions. 

  • Monday, Nov. 27
    • Video #1: What is the difference between being homeless and sleeping rough? 
  • Wednesday, Dec. 6
    • Video #2: Service providers. Who are they and what do they do? 
  • Wednesday, Dec. 13
    • Video #3: What residents can do to help? 
  • Wednesday, Dec. 20
    • Video #4: What is the role of a Street Navigator?  
  • Wednesday, Jan. 3
    • Video #5: Who are the people experiencing homelessness?  
  • Wednesday, Jan. 17
    • Video #6: The importance of indoor sheltering and supportive housing options.  
  • Thursday, Jan. 25
    • Video #7: What housing options are available to people experiencing homelessness?
  • Wednesday, Feb. 7
    • Video #8: Homelessness in HRM: Why is the municipality closing some outdoor sheltering locations? And why now?

 

Designated Locations

Temporary designated outdoor sheltering locations (designated locations) are spaces in municipal parks where those experiencing homelessness can camp for the purpose of sheltering. Municipal staff regularly visit designated outdoor sheltering locations to ensure adequate services are provided and mitigate issues where possible. For more information on designated outdoor sheltering locations, see Common Questions.

From the outset, the municipality has been clear that the creation of designated locations would be temporary. They were established to address an immediate need to ensure people had a location to go to if they had no other option but to sleep rough. The Province of Nova Scotia and service providers have identified indoor sheltering and supportive housing options; and we will all be working together to support residents in encampments to move indoors.

With this capacity available, the municipality is redirecting its focus towards supporting those experiencing homelessness through the transition to indoor shelters or housing options. As more indoor shelter spaces and supportive housing options become available, it is anticipated that more locations will be de-designated, closed and returned to their intended purposes as community spaces for everyone.

Alt text: An overview map of the designated outdoor sheltering locations.

Below are the current designated outdoor sheltering locations. A map of each can be seen by selecting the location name.

The municipality remains committed to ensuring those sleeping rough are provided better alternatives, working toward having safer, long-term housing options for everyone who needs them. The municipality is committed to supporting the province in developing long-term housing solutions.

The municipality’s goal is that every resident of the Halifax Regional Municipality has a safe, supportive, and sustainable home and that all homes are purposely constructed for long-term human habitation, built to safety codes and standards, and in a suitable location based on access to transportation and amenities and municipal planning strategies. The municipality is committed to working with all levels of government, service providers and communities to achieve this goal.