Halifax homelessness count dips, but more people sleep alone outside

Halifax's annual point-in-time count found 1,078 people experiencing homelessness in October, down 72 from last year. The count was organized by the Affordable Housing Association of Nova Scotia and the Mi'kmaw Native Friendship Centre. Executive director Michael Kabalen said emergency supports have stabilized, but the total will stay high until governments invest in housing at scale. Of the 164 people sleeping rough, far fewer were in encampments, only two of which remain designated. More people were sleeping alone in streets, parks or vehicles. The report says the vehicle count is likely a significant undercount, especially in rural areas without shelters.