Our Mission
We live in the real world. And in the real world, bad things can happen to good people. When obstacles placed before a person become too enormous to overcome, it’s crucial for that person to have a place to go.
We believe, with your help, and our guiding principles (people and housing first), we can connect with the individuals we serve in ways that help them experience a better life. We do this by aiming high, reaching far, and working tirelessly. Shelter Nova Scotia is here – without judgement – to help.
Shelter Nova Scotia supports people in times of crisis and transition through residential, trustee and outreach programs. To this end, we operate six facilities in HRM, providing a night of rest to 106 people and providing support to hundreds more, 365 days a year. We offer far more than shelter; utilizing client and housing support workers in tandem with our colleagues working in mental health and addiction services, we support 1,300 people annually.
In pursuit of our goals, Shelter Nova Scotia oversees the operation of:
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two emergency shelters for individuals experiencing homelessness (Barry House & Metro Turning Point)
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an affordable, supportive apartment complex for folks transitioning out of shelter life (The Rebuilding)
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an affordable, supportive living environment dedicated to individuals who have experienced chronic homelessness and who have a long history of alcohol dependency (Herring Cove Apartments)
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two community residential facilities for individuals making the change from correctional facilities to community living (Nehiley House & Sir Sandford Fleming House)
Housing Support & Community Trustee Program
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our community trustee program serves over 200 people, providing them with financial literacy and support like budgeting etc.
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our supportive housing program is one-on-one support for individuals moving from shelter living to community living


Our Board of Directors
Shelter Nova Scotia Board of Directors (updated October 2020)
Board Executive:
Meghan Laing, Co-Chair of the Board
Partner, Engel & Völkers
Jamie O’Neill, Co-Chair of the Board
Partner, Uprise Consulting
Kathy Gillis, Secretary
CEO, Property Valuation Services Corporation
Chelsea King, Treasurer
CPA, Audit Manager, KPMG LLP
Members at Large:
Margot Cameron
CPA CA, Parallel Consulting Inc.
Geoffrey Franklin
Legal Counsel, Municipal Enterprises Limited
Lynn Hartwell
Vice President of Campuses and Communities, Nova Scotia Community College
Jeremy Jackson
Vice President, Marketing, Killam Properties Ltd.
Deborah Page
Director of Marketing and Communications, Develop Nova Scotia
Dean Simmonds
Superintendent, Halifax Regional Police
Dennis Young
Managing Director, Barrington Edge
Ex-Officio:
Linda Wilson
Executive Director, Shelter Nova Scotia