PJ Mackay has spent three summers at the Green Road encampment in Dartmouth, N.S. She says when the temperatures get this high, the fans don’t help and the rodents get worse. “The last couple of days I didn’t get any energy up to do work in my camper or around it because it was so hot,” says Mackay. Mackay says around 20 people live at the encampment and she expects more to arrive this month. Many of them struggle to stay cool at this time of year. “If we had some sort of an outside shower we could rinse off in, that might help,” says Mackay, who notes the Halifax Regional Municipality provides, fans, power and water. “Municipal Housing and Homelessness staff are conducting outreach throughout the heat event, connecting with people sleeping rough and helping ensure they have access to water, food and portable fans,” said Jake Fulton, public affairs advisor with the municipality, in a statement. “Staff are also sharing information from the province about available spaces in provincially funded shelters for those looking to get out of the heat and access additional supports.” Fulton says the municipal emergency management staff closely monitors weather conditions and works with staff to ensure appropriate support is available for people. “In the evening, the After-Hours Individualized Mobile Engagement (AIM) team will be supporting residents sleeping rough by distributing items such as water, electrolyte packages, ice packs, sandwiches and snacks, while helping connect people to available services and supports,” says Fulton. Mackay says non-profits like Soul’s Harbour Rescue Mission stopped by twice on Thursday. “We do have people coming with Gatorade and lots of water dropped off so we are keeping hydrated,” says Mackay. “We are giving out water like crazy, giving out snacks, doing wellness checks to make sure everyone’s OK, passing out clothing, lighter clothing because suddenly transitioning from winter to summer hits us in a different way and we don’t have the right supplies,” says Marni Yuke, chief program officer with Soul’s Harbour. “Some people just don’t have shorts or tank tops or T-shirts. Their team serves up to 1,500 meals a day across Nova Scotia. In Halifax alone, they serve 200. They see the growing need, especially during the hot months. “It’s the same in the cold weather as the hot weather. We will do repeated checks throughout the day, not just the status quo. When things are changing in the weather, we are there,” says Yuke. The AIM team is also out assisting people. “Municipal staff and the AIM team also offer transportation to shelters or other indoor options for individuals who choose to access those options,” says Fulton. “Our AIM team is out on the street scouring for people, to give them water, to give them snacks, so at least until we see them again they have something to get them through,” says Yuke. The Nova Scotia government has nine service providers and outreach teams assisting those living outside. During heat waves, it puts in place emergency weather supports. “When that temperature does rise above 29 degrees Celsius, then they can put measures in place, they can open additional beds in emergency shelters for example if they need it. They can provide water and things to cool people down and they can have hats and sunscreen to protect them from the sun,” says Jaime Smith, executive director of supportive housing with the Department of Opportunities and Social Development. Smith says there is also enough space for people to come inside in most communities across the province. “Whether that’s through transitional shelters and there is availability through supportive housing in the province currently and offering to support that too and we do require folks to be on the by name list,” says Smith. Mackay just wants affordable housing to get out of the heat and this encampment. “We do have many options right now for supportive housing, so that’s deeply affordable housing with rent geared to income and wrap-around support,” says Smith. “There are also emergency pathways and priority pathways I should say for public housing as well as rent subsidies for people experiencing homelessness. So, ensuring that folks are connected to outreach services is a great way to get connected to the system through various service providers throughout the province.” The Halifax Regional Municipality advises people to consider the forecast before planning outdoor activities, staying in the shade as much as possible, staying hydrated and knowing the warning signs of heat exhaustion. For more Nova Scotia news, visit our dedicated provincial page
