The Minister of Community Services and Minister of L’nu Affairs said she is deeply saddened the Mi’kmaw Native Friendship Centre has chosen to close their North Park Street homeless shelter.
The organization announced earlier this week the 40-bed emergency shelter would shut down on December 31.
Minister Karla MacFarlane said their primary concern is safety and well-being of homeless people who use the shelter.
She said the province is redirecting $850,000 earmarked for the shelter to pay for hotel costs to house the people who use the shelter.
MacFarlane said the centre remains a valuable partner.
“We recognize culturally safe places play a critical role in reducing harm.”
She said the MNFC will still get $1.6 million to create Diamond Bailey House, a mixed housing project including an emergency homeless shelter.
