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.

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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.

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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.

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In pursuit of our goals, Shelter Nova Scotia oversees the operation of:

• two emergency shelters for individuals experiencing homelessness (Barry House & Metro Turning Point)

• an affordable, supportive apartment complex for folks transitioning out of shelter life (The Rebuilding)

• 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)

• 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

• our community trustee program serves over 200 people, providing them with financial literacy and support like budgeting etc.  

• 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)

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Board Executive:

Meghan Laing, Co-Chair of the Board

Partner, Engel & Völkers

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Jamie O’Neill, Co-Chair of the Board

Partner, Uprise Consulting

Kathy Gillis, Secretary

CEO, Property Valuation Services Corporation

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Chelsea King, Treasurer

CPA, Audit Manager, KPMG LLP

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Members at Large:

Margot Cameron

CPA CA, Parallel Consulting Inc.

Geoffrey Franklin

Legal Counsel, Municipal Enterprises Limited

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Lynn Hartwell

Vice President of Campuses and Communities, Nova Scotia Community College

Jeremy Jackson

Vice President, Marketing, Killam Properties Ltd.

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Deborah Page

Director of Marketing and Communications, Develop Nova Scotia

Dean Simmonds

Superintendent, Halifax Regional Police

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Dennis Young 

Managing Director, Barrington Edge

Ex-Officio:

Linda Wilson

Executive Director, Shelter Nova Scotia