New pallet shelter villages open in HRM

CITYnews halifax / By Chris Halef

New pallet shelter units are now open in HRM for people experiencing homelessness.

The province said 85 new transitional housing units are open in shelter villages located just off Bancroft Lane near Burnside Industrial Park, which has 45 units, while the other is near Thomas Raddall Drive, with 40 units.

“Shelter villages offer a safe place to call home for Nova Scotians who are navigating some of life’s most difficult challenges,” said Scott Armstrong, Minister of Opportunities and Social Development. “They are a stepping stone toward stability, opportunity and belonging.”

According to the province, each unit includes a bed, desk and storage space for personal items, with access to a shared building with washroom and shower facilities.

Atlantic Community Shelters Society manages the villages and co-ordinates wraparound services.

With the addition of the new villages, there are now six shelter villages across the province.