From the Communications Office
New Shelter for Homeless Men to Open in July
(Wednesday, March 10/99)-- A parcel of municipally-owned land in downtown Halifax has been officially turned over to the Metro Turning Point Society as the site for a new shelter for homeless men.
With federal and provincial government funding in place, the Society is expected to begin construction soon on the new site located at 2170 Barrington St.
The Province and Metro Turning Point will be working with the firm of Fowler, Bauld and Mitchell to design and construct the new facility. Officials from the Nova Scotia Department of Transportation and Public Works will provide technical support to the project committee. Halifax Regional Municipality staff will play a minor advisory role in the project.
HRM will not be involved in the operation of the new shelter. It has fulfilled its obligation to the Metro Turning Point Society to provide a conveniently located, alternative site for the new facility and turned it over to the non-profit group for the token sum of one dollar.
In addition, the municipality provided a $100,000 cash grant for costs associated with the relocation and strongly urged the Province to underwrite the costs of the new structure.
The existing shelter, which is located across the street from the new site, will be kept in operation until the new facility is ready for occupancy, tentatively scheduled for next July.
Homelessness has been a high profile issue this past winter throughout Canada. Those who wish
to learn more about homelessness and the need for more affordable housing in HRM are
encouraged to contact Barbara Nehiley 490-4612.
-- 30 --
Contact:
John O'Brien
Corporate Communications Officer
490-6531
