±«Óătv students are making a difference in the community by helping Halifax's Out of the Cold shelter provide safe beds to those in need.
The past few weeks have been chilly and it is only going to get colder over the coming months â something that ±«Óătv School of Social Work Professor Jeff Karabanow (pictured left) knows all too well. Dr. Karabanow has been a primary organizer for Out of the Cold, a low-barrier alternative shelter in downtown Halifax, for more than five years now. Â
Homelessness is a reality in Halifax, just like any other city, and itâs one that Dr. Karabanow says is hidden in many ways.
âWe are a small city and homeless people have their own resources and want to stay hidden, but there are gaps in those resources and Out of the Cold is evidence of the community galvanizing to fill those gaps,â he says. Itâs what he calls a, âa reactive but nonetheless vital solution in the absence of deeper resources for preventative measures.â
Housed in Saint Matthewâs United Church on Barrington Street, Out of the Cold provides an emergency, last resort for those in need with no other safe space. Â
The term âalternative shelterâ means that Out of the Cold is a non-judgemental, informal space, with a high staff-to-guest ratio. According to Professor Karabanow, the focus is on community building. âWe donât have professionals, we donât call our guests âclients,â and weâre not a charity. If anything, weâre here to sensitize the public and start to build a more compassionate world.â
Volunteer-powered
The shelter operates on an entirely volunteer basis, and the ±«Óătv community plays a huge role in that. ±«Óătv half of the shelterâs volunteers are students, and the large majority are from ±«Óătv.
Lindsay Arbuthnot, a Dal student and volunteer, was inspired to get involved by her interaction with members of Halifaxâs homeless population while volunteering at St. Andrewâs United Church.
âPeople who had accessed the shelter expressed to me how important it is to our community,â she says. âThere is a lack of affordable housing in Halifax, and the shelter provides a warm place to sleep during the cold winter months.â
As a volunteer, Arbuthnotâs typical shift covers a wide range of duties. âWe do everything from setting up cots and preparing meals and snacks to organizing and distributing donations like socks and winter jackets,â she says. With five to six volunteers working each night, âTeamwork and communication are key!â
A high volunteer-to-client ratio is important to the Shelterâs low-barrier, compassionate environment. âIt allows us to attend more quickly to the needs of our guests, whether it is food, dry clothing, new shoelaces or just someone to talk to,â says Dr. Karabarow. âIf there are more people available, we can be more responsive.â
Getting involved
The Shelter is always eager for volunteers. Out of the Cold provides orientation and facilitates a range of certification courses, such as First Aid/CPR and suicide intervention training. Â
If you would like to volunteer, or get involved with the shelter you can email Out of the Coldâs volunteer coordinator at VolunteerOTCS@gmail.com, or visit for more information.
A few hours a week can make a big difference â particularly over the winter break while so many students volunteers are away. Â
âItâs a great and rewarding way to get involved in the community,â says Arbuthnot. âWe have such a vital role to play.â