Now that we are in the thick of winter, a new temporary shelter is coming to HRM, to help the homeless.

The province will spend about $3 million on it and says it will be in the Multi-Purpose Centre at the Halifax Forum on Young Street.

“We’ve worked closely with the Halifax Regional Municipality to provide Nova Scotians experiencing homelessness with more shelter options,” said Trevor Boudreau, Minister of Community Services. “Through valuable partnerships with municipalities and service providers like 902 Man Up, we have created almost 500 shelter beds to help people experiencing homelessness across the province.”

It will start with 50 beds, 35 for men and 15 for women, open 24 hours a day, seven days a week until August 31. However, capacity will increase to 70 over the coming weeks, with privacy, showers and storage available. The province will cover operating and staff costs, meals and wraparound services through 902 Man Up. HRM is providing the facility free of charge and installing a temporary shower trailer for the use of those sheltering at the site.

“The municipality’s response to helping those experiencing homelessness continues to be collaborative and community based. Today’s announcement is a great example of how we’re working together with the Province and service providers to provide people a place where they can go to receive the support they need. It also demonstrates our objective to eventually get to a point where people don’t have to shelter outside,” said Mike Savage, Mayor of HRM.

The city is providing property maintenance including garbage pickup and snow clearing.

Outreach workers will make sure those staying in encampments are aware of the shelter and how to access it.

This brings the total amount of beds available provincewide to 493 with 355 in HRM.

The shelter opens Monday, January 22.