Government extends Halifax Forum shelter for another year

CITYnews halifax / By Chris Halef

The provincial government and Halifax Regional Municipality have agreed to continue offering shelter to people experiencing homelessness at the Halifax Forum for another year.

“We need to keep emergency options available for people to come inside while we work to build longer-term transitional and supportive housing,” said Jill Balser, acting Minister of Community Services.

The province said HRM will continue to provide the facility free of charge and cover costs associated with temporary shower facilities for those sheltering at the site.

As well, the Nova Scotia Government said it is providing $5.4 million to cover operating costs, including staffing, utilities, food, repairs, security and maintenance from Sept. 1 until the end of Aug. 2025.

The emergency shelter, which is operated by the non-profit 902 ManUp, and originally launched in January to help address the city’s housing crisis.

Earlier this month, the Affordable Housing Association of Nova Scotia reported more than 1,200 people as being homeless.