How We Help

Bryony House Shelter Services

No fee for services
24/7 on-site staff support
Basic amenities: meals, laundry and personal care items provided
Workers provide one-on-one support, including assistance securing housing
Individualized support and goal-setting
Referrals and advocacy
Crisis intervention
Provision of harm reduction supplies (condoms, new needle distribution, information)
Outreach support when transitioning from shelter
Child and Youth Program offering parental support and youth activities
Skills and parenting-enhancement workshops and support
Independent private rooms for sleeping

What to expect when you contact us

At Bryony we often hear from survivors that are overwhelmed by the idea of reaching out to a shelter for support. If you are struggling to take the next step, know that you are not alone. The process of seeking shelter can be daunting, especially if you reached out for assistance in the past and were turned away. If you are feeling anxious about contacting us, it can be helpful to learn more about what happens when you come to us. Sometimes knowing ahead of time what shelter staff will need to know about your situation can help you mentally prepare for the experience, and make your interaction more positive.

When you contact our crisis line, you can expect the person who answers your call to start the conversation by asking if you are in a safe place to talk. This question can be frustrating for some—obviously you’re not safe, you wouldn’t be calling a domestic violence shelter if you were. When staff ask this question, they are hoping to ensure that you’re not in any immediate physical danger and that you have privacy to talk, away from anyone who might become angry or upset if they knew you were talking to a domestic violence shelter. Once your immediate physical safety is confirmed, they may begin a danger assessment. A Danger assessment is a set of questions designed to identify those who are at risk of homicide or serious injury by their intimate partner. While being asked to share details with a stranger about what you are experiencing can feel invasive, we often need to prioritize space based on these responses, so it’s important to be as honest as you can be.

To find out more of what you might be asked, click here.

What happens if space is unavailable at the shelter?

Being denied shelter space can be devastating, and it can seem like you are out of options. However, we can still help. If the shelter is full, the staff member on the crisis line can help navigate other options until we have space. Part of the danger assessment determines the imminent danger you are in. They may advocate to move you to a shelter elsewhere until we have space in our shelter. Additionally, it can be helpful to keep a clear log of what shelters you have contacted and the requirements to stay on that particular shelter’s waitlist so you can keep track. This can also help our Advocates look for alternatives to places you’ve already tried, if you’re able to safely reach out to us. Again, please consider your safety prior to writing anything down on paper that your abuser can see.

Our Facility

24 private rooms; must be 18 years and older and experiencing intimate partner violence
Secure street-level entranceway and building
Program and workshop space
1-on-1 support rooms
Commercial-grade kitchen with an in house chef
Residents’ grab and go food area available 24 hours a day
Residents’ quiet spaces
Dining room
Accessible building
Shared individual washrooms
Secure playground, teen room and play therapy program

Crisis Information and support lines

Maybe you’re ready to leave your abusive relationship. Maybe you just need information or someone to talk to. Whatever your situation, our dedicated team is on duty 24 hours a day.

Call Or Text 902-422-7650
We’re here to help. Making the call is the first step.

Go to our contact page for more information on who to contact.

FAQs

What should I bring with me?
Essential things to bring would be your driver’s license, health card, debit/credit cards, cash, medications, baby/child supplies as needed, passports, immigration papers, bank statements, anything valuable to you such as jewelry, photos etc. Depending on your situation, you might consider having a pre-packed backpack ready and leaving it at a friend’s house for when you are ready to enter shelter.
If I am experiencing domestic violence, what are my options?
If you’re here reading this, you’ve already made the first step in finding support. We provide many different levels of support including information and resources about IPV, 24/7 phone support, counselling, safety planning, outreach services and temporary housing should you need it.
What if I don’t want to stay at the shelter?
You don’t have to stay at a shelter to access support, such as counselling, safety planning, and help finding housing. To get connected to our outreach counsellor, who is ready to listen and help you find the support options available.
Is a shelter only for those facing physical abuse?
HTHA provides support to women facing any kind of Intimate Partner Violence (IPV). Click here to learn more about the different forms of IPV. Call our distress line 24/7 at 902-422-7650 for more information.
What if I’m not experiencing violence but I know someone who is?
If you know someone who is experiencing violence – or suspect they may be – you can phone HTHA to get advice tailored to their specific situation.
What if I know the shelter staff?
Shelter staff are discreet and professional. Anything you disclose to them is confidential, and you will never be judged for the situation you’re in. If you’re worried, you can always contact them anonymously or click here to find a different shelter or transition house in Nova Scotia.
What if I’m not ready to leave my partner?
HTHA supports women unconditionally, whatever you choose to do. Staff will not pressure you to leave your partner but will support your choices while having your safety top of mind. Staff will talk with you about how to create a safety plan. It is important to note that if children are in the home, staff have a duty to report a child who may be at risk.
Can I bring my children with me?
Yes, you can bring your children with you. HTHA offers children’s programming, such as organized play therapy times, and support with school. All children 18 and younger are welcomed. Discuss with staff ages out of this parameter with staff. We understand that all situations are unique.
What about my pets?
HTHA has a partnership with an external organization that will take care of your pets during your stay. Service animals are allowed at HTHA, provided the proper documentation is provided. Please discuss with staff your service animal before coming to the shelter.
What if I have mobility concerns?
You must be able to safely evacuate the shelter should there be an emergency situation.
How much does it cost to use shelter services?
Absolutely nothing. Shelter and Outreach services are free.
Does my immigration status matter?
Your immigration status is not important. If you are experiencing IPV, you will not be denied service because of your status. We will provide interpreters as needed and we strive to provide inclusive services.
What about my job?
You can still go to work and receive support from a shelter. They can work around your schedule to provide the services that work for you at your own pace.
How long can I stay at the shelter?
We are a short term facility. Most stay 6-8 weeks with a possibility of extension based on their situation and/or housing arrangements.
Do you provide childcare?
Those who stay in the shelter are responsible for taking care of their own children. Children may be supervised during counselling sessions or programming.
What can I expect during my stay at the shelter?
Our shelter provides a variety of services including individual support, children’s support, through play, and interactive and/or educational groups.
- When you stay at the shelter you will be provided meals/snacks by our in-house chef. As you would in your own home it is expected that you maintain your living environment with chores such as laundry, dishes, cleaning your room.
- You may be required to share a room depending on space and availability (very rarely).
- Although we can provide referrals, we do not provide legal counsel or guarantees of housing for after your shelter stay. There are many factors involved and each situation is unique.
- emergency safe shelter is provided for 6-8 weeks and you are expected to work with staff to find housing on an ongoing basis, follow the guidelines and expectations during your stay.
- Staff are able to help with outside supports such as Emergency Protection Orders, Peace Bonds, Income assistance to name a few.
What do you do to keep the shelter safe?
We have guidelines and policies that relate to safety. Some of the most important are:
- The property is constantly monitored: we have a camera surveillance system, an intercom system, flood lighting and alarmed doors
- Only approved visitors are admitted to the shelter. Staff control who is let into the shelter and monitor all departures from the building.
- No information is given out without the consent of the client
- The staff on shift wear a “panic button” at all times that is monitored by a security company. Should there be any problems, the police will be summoned within minutes.
- No alcohol, illegal drugs or solvents are allowed in the shelter. Those who are using/possessing alcohol, illegal drugs or solvents inside the shelter will be asked to leave. Those who have used substances while off HTHA property and return must be able to safely evacuate the building should there be an emergency.
- Everyone in shelter must comply with the “Zero Tolerance for Violence Policy”; no violence of any kind is permitted within the shelter, including no physical punishment of children, no yelling, any kind of verbal, emotional, physical, sexual, financial or spiritual violence.
- All dangerous and toxic substances (medication, cleaning supplies) are kept in locked cupboards
- Everyone at the shelter (residents, staff, volunteers, service persons, etc.) must comply with our confidentiality policy and protect the privacy of those using our services