Get involved
Every contribution — time, supplies, money, or a bus pass — makes a direct difference to someone in Nova Scotia tonight. Here’s exactly how to help.
Donate supplies
The most needed items change weekly. Check the urgent needs list before showing up.
Most needed year-round
- Socks (all sizes, wool preferred for winter)
- Underwear (new only, all sizes)
- Travel toothbrushes and toothpaste
- Deodorant
- Razors
- Tampons and pads
- Hand warmers (October–April)
- Reusable bags
Where to drop off in Halifax
Outside Halifax
- Call your nearest shelter or food program directly — see the Shelter and Food pages for contact info.
- Feed Nova Scotia member food banks accept donations province-wide — feednovascotia.ca for locations.
Please call ahead before dropping off large quantities. Orgs have limited storage space and timing matters.
Donate a bus pass
- Halifax Transit monthly passes ($82.50) and single-ride tickets are among the most practical donations you can make.
- A pass = someone getting to a job interview, a health appointment, or a shelter across the city.
Where to donate bus passes now
Tracked bus pass program — in development
We’re building a tracked donation program so every pass goes to a verified person in need and no one receives more than one per month. Sign up to be notified when it launches:
Notify me when it launches →Donate food
- Feed Nova Scotia accepts food donations at 140+ locations province-wide.
- feednovascotia.ca/donate for drop-off locations.
- Most needed: canned protein (tuna, beans, lentils), peanut butter, pasta, rice, cooking oil, canned vegetables, baby food.
Restaurants and food businesses
If you have end-of-day food surplus, Places For Me is building a surplus matching program to connect your surplus directly to a food program that can use it tonight.
Join the surplus pilot →Volunteer your time
Most organisations need consistent weekly volunteers more than one-time help. If you can commit to the same shift every week, contact the org directly — that level of reliability is what they need most.
Know someone who needs help?
You don’t need to be a professional to help someone find resources.
The simplest thing you can do
- Share placesforme.org with them directly.
- Sit with them and look through the pages together.
- Help them call 2-1-1 — you can stay on the line for support.
If the person is in immediate danger or crisis
- Mental health crisis: 1-888-429-8167
- Suicide crisis: 988
- Medical emergency: 911
- General support: 2-1-1
If you work with people experiencing homelessness informally — as a neighbour, faith community member, or concerned person — the Outreach Worker Tools section (coming in the For Orgs portal) will have guides for warm referrals and handoffs.
For businesses
Places For Me is building partnerships with NS businesses for targeted, transparent community giving.
What we’re looking for
- Restaurants and grocers: end-of-day food surplus matching (zero waste, direct impact).
- Employers: barrier-free hiring listings (see Jobs) and workplace giving programs.
- Retailers: seasonal supply drives (socks, coats, hygiene kits).
- Tech companies: pro bono development support.
All business partners are listed on the site with a recognition badge. Your contribution is logged and reported transparently.
Start a partnership →