Shelter Merger to Expand Services to Homeless

COMMUNITY SERVICES--Shelter Merger to Expand Services to Homeless

• ---------------------------------------------------------------Men and women experiencing homelessness in Halifax now have access to around-the-clock shelter and improved services after the merger of two downtown shelter operators.

Metro Turning Point Centre and Saint Leonard's Society of Nova Scotia, which ran Pendleton Place each winter, have merged under the umbrella of the Saint Leonard's Society. The society also runs Barry House for women. Metro Turning Point Centre and Barry House have increased their capacity and expanded their services. As a result, Pendleton Place will not reopen.

In the past, people experiencing trouble finding appropriate shelter because of mental health concerns, substance abuse, or because the person is restricted from another facility due to safety or incompatibility concerns could go to Pendleton Place. Men can now go to Metro Turning Point Centre which has added 10 beds, while the women will have access to six new beds at Barry House.

The Department of Community Services will provide more than $1.2 million in operational funding to the society for its two shelters. It is an increase of about $100,000.

"Community Services is happy to support this merger," said Judy Streatch, Minister of Community Services. "The result is better coordinated services for the people experiencing homeless in metro, something that is very important to us."

As part of the expansion of services, Metro Turning Point Centre will also remain open 24 hours a day, ensuring residents are able to access services to move to more appropriate housing and avoid extreme temperatures.

"This new level of co-operation is a huge step forward in the type of service we can provide people struggling with homelessness," said Jerry Smyth, chief executive officer of the Saint Leonard's Society. "No one will be turned away. We will be able to provide more help to the same people Pendleton Place served."

Michael Poworoznyk is the society's executive director.

"This enhancement of the services now offered at Metro Turning Point Centre and Barry House is going to make a big difference in the lives of the people we help," said Mr. Poworoznyk. "It means they have a place to meet with people like case workers or counsellors who can help them develop a plan to get off and stay off the streets."