Support teams are actively helping people living in homeless encampments across the Halifax Regional Municipality as extreme weather conditions, including soaring temperatures and sudden thunderstorms, grip the region. The outreach efforts, led by local nonprofits and municipal workers, focus on distributing water, offering transportation to cooling centers, and providing emergency shelter.
On-the-Ground Assistance
On July 2, 2026, outreach workers visited encampments in Dartmouth and Halifax, checking on residents' health and safety. According to Michelle Johnson, a coordinator with the Halifax-based nonprofit Shelter Now, teams distributed over 500 bottles of water and 200 cooling towels. “People in tents are extremely vulnerable when temperatures hit 35°C with humidity,” she said. “We’re making sure they know where to go if they need to cool down.”
Health Risks and Resources
Extreme heat poses serious risks, including heatstroke and dehydration, especially for those with pre-existing conditions. The city has opened two emergency cooling centers at community centers, but many encampment residents are reluctant to leave their belongings. Support teams are also offering transportation to these centers and coordinating with health authorities to provide on-site medical checks. A total of 12 heat-related calls were reported in the past 24 hours, according to Halifax paramedics.
Challenges and Ongoing Needs
The response is complicated by the scattered locations of encampments, with some hidden in wooded areas. Volunteers are using GPS coordinates shared by residents to locate them. “We’re reaching people who might otherwise be missed,” said Johnson. The city has also deployed additional social workers to connect residents with long-term housing options. As of July 2, an estimated 150 people are living in encampments across the region, a number that has grown due to the housing crisis.
