Emergency overnight winter shelter to open in downtown Dartmouth

An emergency overnight winter shelter will be opening in downtown Dartmouth early next month.

The province says the 20 bed facility for men will operate on evenings and overnights at Christ Church on Dundas Street.

“Our community has seen a growing need to support those who are experiencing homelessness,” said Christ Church's Rev. Kyle Wagner in a news release. 

“With this new partnership, we will enhance the dignity of people in Dartmouth who are unhoused by providing safe and secure overnight shelter on the campus of Christ Church.”

902 Man Up will be providing staffing and support services, which could include access to housing support, social workers, peer-based programming and harm reduction supports.

In addition, the shelter will have perimeter security for the safety of residents and shelter guests and set closing hours that meet the needs of the community.

“902 Man Up is pleased to partner with the province on another overnight shelter,” the organization's co-founder Marcus James added. 

“902 Man Up is a grassroots organization that supports diverse vulnerable communities, and we remain focused on providing help to Nova Scotians, making sure they have access to support and services they can trust and feel connected to.”

An emergency shelter on the Halifax side is already operating on North Park Street. It has expanded to have 25 assigned beds and 15 emergency overnight beds.

It will soon be renamed by shelter residents and the plan is to introduce day programming offering wraparound supportive services in the coming weeks.