Be Part of the Solution

At AHANS, we believe everyone has a role to play to end homelessness in HRM. From supporting local agencies to advocating for change. Helping an individual includes providing support and connecting them to the resources they need for a long-term solution.

Community Support Guide

We have provided a community guide for all members of the community if they encounter an individual experiencing homelessness. This includes key steps to take, and a list of resources in HRM.

How to Help Someone Experiencing Homelessness

Helping someone experiencing homelessness starts with Empathy

1.

Offer a connection to resources

2.

What to Expect: Connecting to Housing Services

3.

Approach with Kindness and Respect

Ask if they would like to be connected with resources

Organizations may ask for the individuals contact information to connect them with services.

Download the PDF Here

Resources in HRM - Access Points

Individuals and families in Halifax Regional Municipality may access services, including referrals into the Coordinated Access system and By-Name List at the following locations:

902 Man Up
Adsum for Women & Children
Affirmative Ventures
AKOMA
Association of Black Social Workers
Atlantic Community Shelters Society
Beacon House
Chebucto Connections
Coverdale Justice Society
Dalhousie Social Work Community Clinic
Direction 180
Elizabeth Fry Society of Mainland Nova Scotia
Freedom Foundation of Nova Scotia

At AHANS, we are working toward Functional Zero Homelessness

A Functional Zero Concept aims to ensure there are enough services, housing, and shelter beds for everyone in need, ensuring homelessness is rare, brief, and non-recurring.

This lays the foundation to achieve:

Absolute Zero Homelessness

Absolute Zero Homelessness is the concept where nobody experiences homelessness, and the number of emergencies is consistently dropping.

Graphic: Ending homelessness Definition, Canadian Observatory on Homelessness prepared by Alina Turner (2017)

Key Indicators for success are reliant on the following:

Lived Experience

Homelessness Systems

Public Systems

Our Approach is based off: Turner, A., Albanese, T. Pakeman, K. (2017) Discerning ‘Functional and Absolute Zero’: Defining and Measuring an End to Homelessness in Canada. School of Public Policy, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB.

Click the link below to view the document:

View Report

Take Action

Support the agencies that support people in need:

LINKS TO SERVICES HERE

Contact your local housing and homelessness supporting organization to volunteer or donate directly to support individuals in need.

Advocate for change:

Contact your City Hall or your HRM Councillor, Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) or Member of Parliament (MP) to call on all levels of government to invest in affordable housing.