As the Out of the Cold: Emergency Winter Shelter kicks off their eighth season in Halifax, it’s clear homelessness remains a growing issue in the city.
“This year what we’re seeing is that the other shelters are filling a lot more quickly than they have in December the last few years,” said Kevin Kindred, a member of the group’s organizing team.
READ MORE: Halifax council approves plan for more affordable housing
“That’s a trend that’s certainly concerning to us. We’re having folks stay because there’s literally no other bed in the shelter system for them to stay in.”
Out of the Cold is a volunteer-run organisation that operates out of the basement of St. Matthews United Church. Their mandate is to provide shelter on a low barrier, last resort basis during the winter months.
“Someone could be looking to stay with us for any number of reasons: because shelters are full, because other shelters operate on a gendered basis, sometimes folks get barred from the other shelters or it’s just safer for them to stay here,” said Kindred, adding they work with their guests on a one-on-one basis to determine their need.
The shelter can accommodate up to 15 people per night and can often see as many of 50 drop-in clients. They give clients a warm bed to sleep in, food to eat and a helping hand.
“We exist to try and take care of folks have have barriers that prevent them from accessing from the other more traditional shelters in Halifax,” Kindred said.
- Budget 2024 failed to spark ‘political reboot’ for Liberals, polling suggests
- Peel police chief met Sri Lankan officer a court says ‘participated’ in torture
- Wrong remains sent to ‘exhausted’ Canadian family after death on Cuba vacation
- Liberals having ‘very good’ budget talks with NDP, says Freeland
READ MORE: ‘5 Days for the Homeless’ campaign looking to raise awareness, money in Halifax
And while the shelter offers people a temporary solution, Kindred said the ultimate goal is to help them find stable housing. He says much is the issue lies in the lack of affordable, accessible housing in the city.
“Halifax really needs to take seriously the lack of affordable housing. Shelters are an immediately response to people’s immediate needs.”
In the meantime, Out of the Cold will continue to offer support throughout the winter months.
“It’s not safe to sleep on the street in Halifax in the winter. It’s a matter of life and death whether someone has a bed to sleep in and a warm place to stay for the night,” said Kindred.
And while the shelter seems to be getting a lot of attention around the Holiday season, Kindred said it’s important to remember that the need is there all year long. Their goal is to provide last-resort accommodations from December until April. But in order to do that, they need funding.
“One thing that’s always needed is cash. It costs to keep a place like this running even on a volunteer basis for our financial donations from the public are really important,” said Kindred, adding that if people want to donate, there is a list of high-demand items on their website.
READ MORE: Boots on the Ground walk searches for homeless veterans in Halifax
The group relies of teams of volunteers to work at the shelter overnight. Tasks can include anything from setting up beds to preparing food and organizing donations.
There’s also something to be said about offering moral support. Jenny Gage began volunteering last season and said while she was nervous at first, she’s made friendships that will last a lifetime.
“One of the things I enjoy most is just hearing peoples day,” Gage said.
“Yeah, they live on the streets, but they don’t complain about how horrible their day was. They’re always positive. I find that really rewarding.”
Anyone interested in volunteering with the shelter can visit their website.
Comments