Halifax Expands CARE Crisis Service to North End and Waterfront
The CARE community crisis service will extend its 24-7 coverage to the north end of Halifax and the waterfront on March 16, offering non-emergency support as an alternative to police response.
The Crisis Assistance and Response (CARE) community crisis service is set to expand its operations beginning Monday, March 16. The pilot program, which launched in October 2025, will now provide 24-7 coverage to the north end of Halifax and the Halifax waterfront.
CARE offers in-person, trauma-informed support for individuals aged 16 and older who are experiencing non-emergency, non-violent crises related to substance use, mental health distress, or public intoxication. The service is designed as a consent-based alternative to calling police for these specific situations. Staff members are trained in harm reduction, mental health first aid, suicide prevention, and cultural humility to effectively serve diverse communities, including African Nova Scotians, Indigenous Peoples, 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals, and neurodiverse residents.
To access the service, individuals must call 211. A trained navigator assesses the situation and dispatches the CARE Mobile Team if applicable. It is important to note that CARE does not respond to emergencies involving violence or weapons; in such cases, individuals should continue to call 911.
This expansion follows a previous growth phase in January 2026, when CARE moved to 24-7 service in Dartmouth (within the Highway 111 boundary), Woodlawn, and Cole Harbour. The Regional Council and Halifax Regional Municipality indicate that extending coverage to additional areas is based on demand and operational capacity.