After delays, an emergency shelter in Summerside, P.E.I., is expected to open in mid-October, aiming to assist those experiencing homelessness this winter. Mayor Dan Kutcher emphasized the need for such services, noting the shelter’s potential to provide crucial support for individuals facing housing insecurity. The 10-bed facility, managed by The Equality Project under provincial oversight, will cater to adults over 18, offering a place to shower, bathe, and connect with services to help them regain stability.
Current shelters in Summerside, like the Winter Street Men’s Shelter operated by The Native Council of P.E.I., are often at full capacity, with reports of 80 to 100 percent occupancy in recent months. Chris Clay from the Native Council expressed hope that the new shelter will alleviate some of the strain on existing services and reduce the number of individuals turned away, especially as temperatures drop.
Despite concerns regarding the shelter’s location near a long-term care facility and residential apartments, Mayor Kutcher assured that the site will be designed to integrate safely with the neighborhood. The province has announced ongoing progress on the shelter, with plans for hiring staff and hosting an open house for the community.
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