Nearly 1,000 people experiencing sheltered homelessness in Halifax: report

A survey conducted in Nova Scotia shows the number of people experiencing homelessness.

Nearly 200 people are living in encampments and other unsheltered locations across Halifax, but close to five times that amount are experiencing homelessness in transition homes, hospitals and shelter programs, according to the annual point-in-time count.

The event, organized by the Affordable Housing Association of Nova Scotia and the Mi’kmaw Native Friendship Centre, saw dozens of volunteers deployed at encampments, urban street routes and parking lots to count people experiencing homelessness from 4 p.m. on Oct. 15 to 9 a.m. on Oct. 16.

In total, the count found 1,150 people are experiencing homelessness in the municipality, a slight increase from 1,132 in 2024, although the report notes it does not capture people experiencing hidden homelessness, such as those who couch surf.

“In looking at comparable data points year-over-year, the data shows notable increases in the use of shelters (23.5%), domestic violence transition houses (128%), and people identifying as homeless in the hospital system (320%),” the report reads. “There were also significant increases in the number of individuals in encampments (61.3%) and the number of individuals staying in their vehicles (467%).”

The report found 121 people are living in designated and undesignated encampments this year compared to 75 in 2024. Since last year’s point-in-time count, Halifax has de-designated four encampments and it plans to shut down the remaining ones within the next two years.

“We know that de-designating encampments isn’t moving people indoors and so the municipalities plan to de-designate encampments is a good plan, but we look forward to seeing the types of housing that will be adequate,” says Micheal Kabalen, Affordable Housing Association of Nova Scotia Executive Director.

The report noted 42 people are living at other unsheltered locations while 34 are living in vehicles.

“In 2024, only 6 individuals were identified as sleeping in a vehicle on the night of the Count,” the count reads. “Reports from outreach workers suggest that many of the individuals they have met who are living in vehicles are working individuals experiencing homelessness for the first time due to the rising cost of living and lack of affordable housing options.”

The report found the number of people staying in shelters jumped from 588 in 2024 to 726 this year. The report notes this increase could be attributed to the growing number of shelter beds in the municipality.

“There was a 23 per cent increase in people staying indoors, in shelters and that’s really due to the municipality and province providing more shelter space,” says Kabalen.

He says although the number of shelter space has improved, the concern is around the fact that the numbers of people staying in shelters hasn’t gone down.

“In 2024 fifteen shelter sites had a maximum capacity of 652 beds, whereas in 2025 twenty shelter sites had a combined capacity of 838 beds,” the report reads. “Without the increased investment in shelter sites over the past year, the rise in homelessness likely would have meant a significantly higher numbers of individuals experiencing Unsheltered Homelessness.

“However, it should not go unnoticed that in both years, over 10% of available shelter beds sat empty while individuals were unsheltered. This fact reinforces the argument that has been made by many service providers in recent years that the needs of some individuals are not being met by the available shelter options.”

Ninety people are living in shelter diversion hotel programs, 64 are staying at domestic violence transition house, 52 are in corrections and 21 are staying at hospitals.

In a statement to CTV News, HRM said addressing homelessness requires all levels of government and service partners to collaborate.

“The municipality continues to work closely with the province, community agencies, and service providers to ensure individuals have pathways to stable housing,” the statement continues.

With files from CTV Atlantic’s Emma Convey

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