A Halifax charity is planning to open an accessible males’s shelter within the coming weeks.
“Souls Harbour has been engaged on this nine-room, 10-bed restoration shelter for a very long time now and the pandemic fully slowed it down,” mentioned Michelle Porter, the CEO of Souls Harbour Rescue Mission.
“Nonetheless, we’re actually nearing the completion levels and we’re so enthusiastic about it.”
The brand new shelter will open on the highest ground of the charity’s drop-in centre on Cunard Road in Halifax.
Michelle Porter, the CEO of Souls Harbour Rescue Mission, mentioned she expects the ten beds to replenish shortly. (Paul Palmeter/CBC)
Porter mentioned she expects the eight single rooms and one double room — all of that are accessible — to replenish shortly.
The charity has ensured that somebody shall be on web site always to assist these in want and there shall be ramps into the constructing so folks can are available as wanted. A raise to the highest ground and accessible showers had been additionally put in.
“Lots of people within the internal metropolis, they’re growing older and the primary time we put a ramp into our drop-in house, we had 72 individuals who all wanted help to enter our constructing,” she mentioned.
“So it simply opens up prospects for these [who] are struggling.”
Porter mentioned the charity put in a raise within the constructing for the reason that shelter is on the highest ground of the constructing. (Submitted by Michelle Porter)
Paul Vienneau, an accessibility advocate in Halifax, mentioned he is not conscious of any absolutely accessible shelters within the space, one thing he is requested homeless people about.
“I imply, there was a man on Spring Backyard Highway in a wheelchair who would sleep out at night time in his chair … so I do know there is a want for it on the market,” Vienneau mentioned.
He mentioned he is happy to listen to that Souls Harbour has taken accessibility into consideration for its new shelter.
“Now there’s areas that everyone can use, as a substitute of solely able-bodied locations the place solely able-bodied of us may use,” he mentioned.
Paul Vienneau, an accessibility advocate in Halifax, says he is not conscious of any absolutely accessible shelter within the space. (CBC)
“This can be a place that each particular person in want would have the ability to use and to me, that is a very vital message to unfold.”
Vienneau mentioned he want to see Souls Harbour set up button-operated doorways, however he understands the associated fee.
Porter mentioned automated doorways is one thing Souls Harbour will look into, as soon as extra funding is accessible.
Porter mentioned the raise has already been put in and is prepared for use. (Submitted by Michelle Porter)
Within the meantime, she mentioned the charity is simply placing the “ending touches” on the shelter, like guaranteeing the plumbing to the accessible showers work and placing in flooring.
“I am actually feeling excited,” Porter mentioned.
“We’re doing our kinds and our paperwork for individuals who would be the first ones to stick with us … and it is actually enjoyable to look ahead to our grand opening.”
