Business groups look for funding to help homeless
Halifax councillors to discuss contributing $135,000 over three years to Navigator Program

Two Halifax business associations want the municipality to contribute $135,000 over three years for a program that helps the homeless. If approved, the money would cover half of the annual budget.
The Navigator Program dealt with 222 people between June 2016 and April 2017. The outreach ranged from buying a pair of workboots to finding housing.
"It works. It really, truly does," said Sacha Curran, the program's social worker. "I meet with people where they're at."
The head of the Spring Garden Area Business Association says local businesses have been supportive.
"It's working with people on an ongoing basis," said Juanita Spencer. "It's been a tremendous success."
For eight years, the Downtown Halifax Business Commission and Spring Garden Area Business Association only used levies from business members to pay for the program. In 2015, the municipality provided a one-time grant. Now, the associations have asked for multi-year funding.
"I'm on foot in the downtown areas to do my outreach," explained Curran. "But I get referrals from all over."
An HRM staff report said there is money in the budget to cover the request for 2018. It also points out that social services is traditionally a provincial mandate. But the report adds that the Navigator Program reduces homelessness and panhandling and that improves public safety.
Halifax regional council will debate the request on Tuesday.