Halifax's Out of the Cold Emergency Winter Shelter seeks new space
The Out of the Cold Emergency Winter Shelter has deep community roots and provides a vital service for those stuck in the cold.
Halifax's Out of the Cold Emergency Winter Shelter is a coalition of service providers and housing activists that were extremely concerned 13 years ago when the only low barrier harm reduction space in the city was lost.
"It was winter, and we knew we needed a sanctuary for those who wouldn't be able to access any other resource and at the same time provide a space for those that sometimes can't manage in other resources," explained Dalhousie University professor, Jeff Karanabow, about how the organization got started.
Over the years, the shelter has morphed into a deep, community-based volunteer-oriented space for those who have nowhere else to go on cold nights.
"There's extreme weather. We need to get folks that are living rough... that can't access other safe spaces,” added Karanabow. “We need to get them in[doors] during extreme weather.” Out of the Cold has really, kind of, created a model where we can really reduce any of the regulations or policies to get people in, and just have them safe for the night. We tend to open from 8 p.m. every evening to 8 in the morning. This year, actually, we're changing our model to 24-7."
Karanabow says they are still seeking out a new space for this year.
The shelter receives federal and provincial funding, along with grants that support NGOs. Watch the video above to find out more on this vital organization.
