Council discuss homelessness concerns in Pictou County

MOPC Council received a letter from the Pictou-Antigonish Regional Library supporting a local homeless shelter that is seeking government funding to expand its capacity.

Dan Currie, chair of the Pictou-Antigonish Regional Library Board, said in a letter to MOPC Council that all seven of its public libraries encounter and serve homeless persons daily and while it helps everyone, it believes that a better solution would be for Viola’s Place to receive funding to increase its hours and services.

“While we will always welcome everyone, into our libraries, the board believes services offered by Viola’s Place during the day, combined with ours, will give the best chance for those in need to be safe and well,” he said.

Currie said there are many reasons homeless and at-risk persons need libraries and when they are visiting, library staff ensures they have access to government and community services and programs.  He said staff has also received training to work with homeless adults and youth, safely and with dignity.

Warden Robert Parker, who sits on the board of directors for Viola’s Place, said the shelter has done renovations and if funding is approved to hire staff, would be able to house 20 beds instead of the current eight beds.    Currently, he said, the shelter is open from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. so staff can clean during the day and prepare visitors. He said the number of volunteers has decreased since the pandemic began, but if more staff was hired it could have daytime hours.

Currie said this winter has seen a significant increase in the number of homeless persons using our New Glasgow library during daytime hours. 

“Recently, we found persons sleeping in our service entrances to escape the cold temperatures. They were invited to use our facilities and services to stay warm, but also so they know they are welcome and safe. But it is a worrisome sign and is taking a toll on the emotional well-being of our frontline staff.”

District 2 Coun. Deborah Wadden, who sits on the library board, said Nova Scotia Community Services Minister Karla MacFarlane with meet with Viola's Place over the issue in the future and is hoping for positive results.