Rain hits city streets. (CREDIT: Sourav Mishra via Pexels)
Preparations are underway to help people who are living in tents and temporary homeless shelters in Halifax.
Adsum for Women and Children has announced on Twitter the city is taking steps to help unhoused residents stay warm and dry overnight.
The Halifax-based organization helps people find safe and affordable homes.
It says the city will set up an emergency shelter at the Dixon Centre starting at 8 p.m. on Monday.
We’ve been updated by Erica Fleck @hfxgov The city plans to set up an emergency shelter at the Dixon Centre from 8 PM tonight, Monday. It will be staffed by emergency management volunteers and have security on site. A bus will move folks between the church and Dixon as needed. https://t.co/wg5ozzyvEI
— Adsum for Women & Children (@adsumforwomen) November 22, 2021
It will be staffed by emergency management volunteers and have security on site.
District 6 Councillor Tony Mancini says he will be meeting with St. Thomas More Church in Dartmouth to discuss storm preparations.
Good Morning. Meeting with the folks at St. Thomas Moore Church about a homeless encampment, final prep for Regional Council, Environment Committee agenda review and Regional Chairs mtg to prepare for Environment Minister mtg. Please make sure your prepared for the storm. pic.twitter.com/5FGtCABrm5
— Councillor Tony Mancini (@TonyMancini_NS) November 22, 2021
Meantime, a warming centre will be open during daytime hours from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Wednesday at St. Matthew’s United Church in Halifax.
It will provide food and hot drinks and help residents find a bed and shelter for the night.
The centre is located in the basement of the church off Barrington Street.
The Warming Centre will be OPEN Monday November 22nd, Tuesday November 23rd and Wednesday November 24th from 9:00 am – 9:00 pm.
— hfxWarmingCentre (@CentreHfx) November 22, 2021
A bus will be provided to help transport people from the church to the Dixon Centre.
Halifax Search and Rescue is also heading into the community to help.
They have issued a statement on Twitter, saying they will be searching wooded areas at the request of Halifax Regional Fire and Emergency to ensure no one is left living outside in the storm.
“Searchers plus our light vehicles will be responding to the request to help keep our homeless community members safe,” the tweet says.
The municipality’s Emergency Operations Centre has been activated and will remain in place until the storm has passed.
