Extreme weather events are occurring with increasing frequency and people experiencing homelessness are at risk of suffering the negative effects of these events due to a lack of shelter. The Counties of Antigonish and Guysborough represent an area of the Province lacking in safe and secure temporary accommodations for persons and even families sleeping in the rough.
In response to this urgent need, A Roof Over Your Head Society and Our Lady of Grace Monastery Foundation have entered into a partnership arrangement to address this challenge. The Monastery will be responsible for the provision of dormitory style rooms and hot meals. A Roof Over Your Head Society will be responsible for all intake, administrative, transportation and other support services in collaboration with community partners. The Monastery location is well situated to serve the expansive geographic area of Antigonish and Guysborough Counties.
Raylene Chisholm, Board Chair of A Roof Over Your Head Society acknowledges that this initiative would not be possible without the financial assistance provided by the Nova Scotia Department of Community Services to cover the staffing and operational requirements of the Society. She remains thankful to staff for their relentless search over several years for a suitable location.
Bishop Wayne Kirkpatrick, Chair of Our Lady of Grace Monastery Foundation, said the Board was grateful for the opportunity to offer the Monastery for those in need of shelter from the winter weather. Being of service is a cornerstone of the Monastery’s existence, and to match the current empty facilities with a real-time need for safe, affordable accommodations provides an essential service now and prospects for future projects.
Both organizations are able to respond to financial contributions with a registered charity receipt or alternatively, donations may be forwarded to Canada Helps with an indication of which organization would be the preferred recipient.
For additional information, contact A Roof Over Your Head Society Executive Director Connie DeCoffe at (902) 870-9919.
