P.E.I. considering homeless shelters across province

P.E.I. Social Development and Housing Minister Ernie Hudson says he shares the concerns of the P.E.I. Green Party about the lack of temporary emergencyshelters outside of Charlottetown.

In question period this week Green MLA Lynne Lund expressed concerns about lack of temporary shelters in the Summerside area, as well as in rural parts of the province.

Hudson said as the representative of the rural district of Alberton-Bloomfield, he understands that concern.

"There's only one district that's further removed from Charlottetown," he said.

"We have to look out for, we have to provide services for,all Islanders. But at the end of the daywe need to hear from the grassroots."

Hudson said the process of establishing new shelters has started with a needs assessment. That assessment is being done in partnership with organizations such as Bedford MacDonald House, Blooming House, the Canadian Mental Health Association and the Mi'kmaq Confederacy.

The assessment will review what temporary shelter is available, and examine the need in different parts of the province. It is expected to be done by the end of the summer.

He noted the government does have a toll-free emergency shelter line that is available to Islanders in all parts of the province.

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