Nova Scotia to End Funding for Northstar Shelter, Shifting Focus to Supportive Housing
The Nova Scotia government announced it will cease funding the Northstar homeless shelter in New Glasgow by December 23. This decision initiates a 90-day transition period where outreach workers will assist residents in finding alternate housing. The move is part of a broader strategy to shift from traditional shelters to supportive housing models, with an expression of interest launched for nonprofits and municipalities in Pictou, Kings, and Lunenburg counties.
The Nova Scotia government has announced that it will stop funding the Northstar homeless shelter in New Glasgow by Dec. 23. This decision marks the beginning of a 90-day countdown for individuals relying on the shelter to transition out.
Susan Corkum-Greek, the minister of Opportunities and Social Development, stated that this decision does not represent a reduction in services. Instead, she emphasized that the current site and service model do not meet community needs. The province is shifting toward a supportive housing model rather than maintaining traditional shelter operations.
During the transition period, outreach workers and experienced professionals will assist shelter users in finding alternate housing and support. Because Northstar is a nonprofit organization, the government cannot force it to close; the decision to remain open or closed rests with the organization itself.
New Glasgow Mayor Nancy Dicks expressed mixed feelings about the announcement but noted relief at the quick action. She viewed the move as a step forward while acknowledging that more work is needed to address homelessness effectively.
To facilitate this shift, the province has launched an expression of interest for nonprofits, municipalities, and stakeholders in Pictou, Kings, and Lunenburg counties. These groups are invited to propose supportive housing solutions. Proposed models include adding to existing programs, buying new properties, and providing staff and support to help people stay housed.
Michael Kablen of the Affordable Housing Association of Nova Scotia supports the move to supportive housing but criticized the timing. He noted that no new supportive housing units will open simultaneously with the shelter closure, creating a potential gap in immediate availability. Marie-France LeBlanc, CEO of the North End Community Health Centre, added that shelters are only one piece of addressing homelessness and that needs vary across the spectrum.