Nova Scotia shelter village opens in time for peak of hurricane season
Nova Scotia has purchased 200 shelters, just in time for the peak of hurricane season, and they're now being placed around the province to support people experiencing homelessness.
A new shelter village has opened up in Kentville, N.S., just in time for the peak of hurricane season.
Nova Scotia purchased 200 shelters from the U.S.-based company, Pallet, for $7.5 million. They're now being placed around the province to support people experiencing homelessness.
Check out The Weather Network’s hurricane hub page for all the latest news and information you need throughout the season.
The 20 units at Tiny Meadows are fully furnished, and have heat and air conditioning, providing much more safety than living in a tent during storms and extreme cold weather during winter.
“The snow-load bearing is high. [It is] higher than it would be somewhere in California. There are lots of insulation. If you look on the floor, there are tie downs so each unit is actually tied down to make sure there is no movement, and they’re secure during hurricane season,” Debra Large, shelter manager, told The Weather Network in a recent interview.
Tiny Meadows shelter village in Kentville, N.S. (Nathan Coleman/The Weather Network)
The accessibility of the village was factored in as it was being constructed. There are wide ramps that lead up to the laundry and bathroom facilities, which can be used by anyone using a wheelchair.
Individuals staying at the shelter site will receive continued support with case planning.
“They will have demonstrated a degree of housing readiness and an ability to operate and live independently in these individualized units,” said Open Arms Resource Centre executive director, Leanne Jennings.
They will also be provided with three meals per day during their stay.
“Our staff will be preparing the meals for the guests and will be providing opportunity for the guests to have input into meal planning. They will [also] be helping to support the cleaning of the spaces so that they’re gaining skills and building capacity while living and staying with us," said Jennings.
There is a perimeter fence around the site for privacy.
