Temporary shelter expected to open soon

Attempts to open a new homeless in shelter in Pictou County are coming closer to reality.

“It’s nice just to see a move in a positive way,” said Paul Vanderlaan, a member of a committee that formed to come up with a replacement for Pictou County’s previous homeless shelter, the Life Shelter.

The Life Shelter operated seasonally, but did not open last fall after the church that housed it closed. Declining church membership, financial pressures, and the recent resignation of Pastor Keith Hazzard were listed as contributing reasons.

While at times it appears that progress has been slow, things are still actively moving forward, Vanderlaan said.

In the very near future he said they will be announcing the location of a new temporary shelter that will open for one day a week.

“The place where this will be is yet to be announced as the final touches are being put into place,” Vanderlaan said.

He asked that people be patient as they finalize everything and they’ll announce it as soon as possible.

A permanent location is expected to open in the fall with the goal of operating year round rather than seasonally.

“So far we have started receiving donations for the operation of the shelter. We are very grateful for the donations thus far and there will be more to come in regard to who donated as well as amounts,” Vanderlaan said.

The committee has also filed papers to become a non-profit.