A historical church in the north end of Halifax that was at risk of being torn down is getting a new purpose.

St. Patrick’s on Brunswick Street is now a temporary emergency shelter for those who identify as male.

The church, which survived the Halifax Explosion, has been closed to the public since June 2024 when the steeple and bell tower were deemed structurally unsafe by the Archdiocese of Yarmouth-Halifax.

However, months later, an engineering firm that was hired to take another look said the structures were sound.

Now, the province says they are investing $1.1 million into the space that will provide “a safe, warm space, providing critical support during extreme weather events”.

Souls Harbour Rescue Mission will provide staff, meals and wraparound services such as housing support, case management and mental health and financial services.

Souls Harbour Chief Operating Officer, Cherry Laxton says, they are pleased to continue their relationship with the province to take on the role of service provider for this shelter.

“We are committed to providing safe, dignified shelter options to those most vulnerable in our community and look forward to working alongside community partners to make that a reality.”   

There will be 25 beds with the capacity to expand to 40 and will offer two meals each day, sleeping kits, washrooms and showers, laundry and a space to socialize.

Including this location, 80 new temporary shelter beds have been added across the province so far this winter bringing the total in HRM to 139 and 174 provincewide.

It opens Friday with the expectation it will remain running until August.