Places For Me
Emergency Shelters
Safe places to sleep tonight.
Need shelter tonight?
Call 2-1-1 first.
2-1-1 Nova Scotia knows which beds are available right now. Call or text before travelling.
Call 2-1-1 Free, 24/7, real-time bed availabilityYou can also text 2-1-1 or visit ns.211.ca
What to expect at intake
- You don’t need ID to access most shelters.
- You may be asked about pets, substances, or medications.
- Most shelters are first come, first served — arrive early in the evening.
- You can bring one bag of belongings.
- Most shelters provide a meal, a bed, and basic hygiene items.
- You can leave at any time.
If shelters are full
- Ask shelter staff about overflow capacity — many have it even when “full”.
- Warming centres open in extreme cold — call 2-1-1 for locations.
- Shelter villages (pallet shelters) operate 24/7 — call 2-1-1 for intake.
Shelter village locations
- Burnside, HRM — Burnside, Dartmouth
- Dartmouth, HRM — Dartmouth, NS
- Halifax, HRM — Halifax, NS
- Lower Sackville, HRM — Lower Sackville, NS · 902-864-1584
- Kentville — Kentville, NS
- Whitney Pier, Cape Breton — Whitney Pier, Sydney, NS
Shelters by region
Halifax Regional Municipality
Adsum House
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Barry House
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Metro Turning Point
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Salvation Army Centre of Hope – Men’s Shelter
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Phoenix Youth Shelter
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Souls Harbour Rescue Mission – Men’s Shelter (St. Patrick’s Church)
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Beacon House Shelter
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Musqui Comfort Centre
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Cogswell Street Emergency Shelter (ACSS)
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Cape Breton
Community Homeless Shelter (Cape Breton Community Housing)
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Cape Breton Transition House
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Leeside Transition House
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Central & Northern Nova Scotia
Haven House
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Truro Overnight Shelter (Souls Harbour)
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Viola’s Place Society
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YMCA Stellar House
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Cornerstone
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Western Nova Scotia
ROOF 25 Shelter
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Open Arms (OASIS Shelter)
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SHYFT Youth Services
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Shelter villages (province-wide)
Shelter Village – Burnside, HRM
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Shelter Village – Dartmouth, HRM
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Shelter Village – Halifax, HRM
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Shelter Village – Lower Sackville, HRM
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Shelter Village – Kentville
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Shelter Village – Whitney Pier, Cape Breton
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Frequently asked
Can I come if I’ve been drinking or using?
Many shelters in NS accept guests regardless of substance use, as long as you’re not an immediate danger to yourself or others. Call ahead or ask at the door — staff will tell you honestly.
Can I bring my pet?
Very few shelters accept pets. Barry House (women / gender-diverse) is pet-friendly. Call 2-1-1 to ask about current pet-friendly options before going. See the Pets page for more options.
What if I have an outstanding warrant?
Shelters are not required to report you to police simply for staying there. Call 2-1-1 or Legal Aid NS (1-800-665-9779) if you have concerns.
What if I’m not from Nova Scotia?
You can still access emergency shelter. NS does not restrict shelter access by province of origin.
Can I stay long-term?
Emergency shelters are short-term (days to weeks). Staff will work with you on transitional housing options. Ask your shelter worker about the NS Housing Authority waitlist.
I need shelter but I’m scared to go. What do I do?
You can call 2-1-1 and talk to someone first before going anywhere. They can explain what to expect at a specific shelter and help you feel prepared.