HRM in the final stages of completion of the Dartmouth location for the first round of modular housing units – Halifax | The Canadian News

The Halifax Regional Township Emergency Housing Response Project Leader is hopeful that the modular units will be operational in Dartmouth in the coming weeks.

“We are really trying to involve the population on the ground, both those who live there and those who support them, to try to get the best possible resolution for those who are homeless,” said the Municipality’s homeless manager. Halifax Regional, Erica Fleck. .

Fleck says the municipality has spent $ 240,000 on 24 units to offer its Dartmouth and Halifax location as an alternative to sleeping outside for people in need of emergency housing.

The funds are part of the $ 500,000 regional council approved for the development of emergency housing measures for people forced to sleep in parks due to a lack of affordable housing options.

“We have articulated and communicated clearly with the province that this is what we are doing, but it will need to hire comprehensive services so that people are safe,” said Fleck.

Fleck says the municipality is still waiting for the province to respond to its request to hire service providers who can offer residents health and social support.

“The last thing HRM is going to do is open up any kind of structure and let people be left alone because that’s not safe, and that’s not a better alternative for anyone,” Fleck said.

NS Community Services Minister Karla MacFarlane says she has had several conversations with the Halifax mayor and other city officials, but a decision has yet to be made.

“We don’t have a financial number today, how can we do that, or if it will perhaps be support for comprehensive services for the people who may be housed in these modular homes,” he said.

Fleck says that the enveloping supports required for residents can vary from a wide range of community providers.

“Some have mental health services, some have addiction problems that they work on, some have counseling, life counseling and different types of counseling, depending on the needs of the group or individuals,” he said. said.

Fleck says a location in Halifax has yet to be determined and they are looking at all available land options, from Crown to private.

“It’s been a big problem trying to find land that is properly zoned, that we can have sewerage and water, and legally accessible for clients who need these resources,” he said.