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Nova Scotia Cuts Funding to New Glasgow Shelter While Pursuing New Supportive-Housing Model
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Funding Cut and Planned Housing Shift
The provincial government announced on Wednesday that funding for the 20-bed Northstar Shelter and Support Services in New Glasgow will end in 90 days. A transition team will be created to help current guests find alternative arrangements. Simultaneously, the Department of Social Development launched a call for expressions of interest from service providers to establish a supportive-housing model in regional centres across Pictou, Lunenburg and Kings counties. The minister said the new model, which pairs housing with addiction and mental-health services, has succeeded elsewhere in the province and aims to be operational by the end of the fiscal year, leaving a three-month gap after Northstar’s closure.
Background & Context
Northstar Shelter has operated in New Glasgow since 2018, offering 20 emergency beds and ancillary services to hundreds of people lacking permanent housing or struggling with utilities, groceries and rent. Over the past four years the shelter has faced repeated community complaints about open drug use and other challenges. Last month the town council urged the province to shut the shelter in favor of a different approach; Mayor Nancy Dicks welcomed the provincial decision, hoping it will improve outcomes for both clients and neighbours.
Official Statements & Responses
Mayor Dicks expressed optimism that the new arrangement would better serve the community. The department also announced a province-wide request for providers to deliver the supportive-housing model in three additional counties.
Data & Statistics & Next Steps
- Northstar Shelter: 20 emergency beds; provides ancillary support to hundreds of unhoused residents.
- Provincial investment in the shelter’s community-housing assistance: over $200,000.
- Call for expressions of interest opened for providers in Pictou, Lunenburg and Kings counties, with the goal of launching the new supportive-housing model by the end of the fiscal year.
These developments mark a significant shift in Nova Scotia’s approach to homelessness and addiction services in the region.