There was frustration for the Minister of Community Services after many of those experiencing homelessness in HRM, did not want to go to the new shelter that opened at the Halifax Forum this week.
Trevor Boudreau told reporters Thursday; he strongly encourages those sleeping rough to take the opportunity.
“Because we have a space that is available…being in a warm place, a safer place than being outside in a tent where there is risk of fire,” Boudreau said.
Boudreau added 32 of 50 beds were occupied the second night the shelter was open.
He said the government has done a lot to support those experiencing homelessness including converting the old DoubleTree hotel into The Overlook shelter.
“The shelter was identified as an opportunity…this was an opportunity to provide support to people.”
Buses were available Monday to take community members in the Grand Parade and Lower Sackville encampments to the new shelter, but they left empty.
According to multiple reports, those experiencing homelessness were hesitant to go to the Forum because of privacy and safety concerns.
