P.E.I. homeless shelter busy since reopening

Bedford MacDonald House, the Charlottetown homeless men's shelter, has seen a steady number of clients since it reopened just before Christmas.

Operated by the Salvation Army, Bedford MacDonald is the Island's only homeless shelter for men. Capt. Jamie Locke told CBC News, on average, they have four guests a night. Some of those guests have used the opportunity to find their own, permanent homes.

"We've had some great success where people have been able to move on and move in to their own place," said Locke.

"They've availed of our other services and trying to reconnect them with the community in different areas: if it's looking for work, looking for their own place, seeking help through the social assistance program."

Men can stay in the seven-bed shelter for seven nights, and then ask for an extension. Locke said they've granted a number of those. People who've been using the shelter range in age from 19 to 65.

While there have been nights when the shelter was full, no one has ever been turned away, he said.