Amherst women’s shelter busier than ever during 2025 holidays

Demand at one of Nova Scotia’s smallest transition houses was higher than ever over the Christmas holidays, as the organization expands to offer more long-term housing for survivors of intimate partner violence. 

Dawn Ferris, executive director of Autumn House in Amherst, N.S., said there was a 50 per cent increase in requests for beds in December 2025, compared with December 2024.

She said the final month of the year is typically one of the busiest, and a usual lull in calls around Christmas Day was less pronounced.

“We were busier over the Christmas holiday than we've ever been," said Ferris.

Ferris said the increasing demand underlines the province's declaration of an epidemic of intimate partner violence in Nova Scotia. She said the rising cost of living is part of the problem.

“People are feeling it in ways that are making our lives really stressful. And that stress is coming out in ways that people are seeking our support more,” she said. 

New units

The women’s shelter can house up to 10 women and children each night, and alternative options exist for when Autumn House reaches capacity.

The group is also expanding longer-term housing options. In addition to an existing duplex for women at higher risk, Autumn House purchased a five-unit apartment building in September to provide affordable housing for women and children. 

“They are all fully rented," said Ferris.

“[The building has] two undeveloped apartment opportunities that we have to come up with a plan to find the funds to develop those two apartments, which is on my to-do list in the next 18 months."

The federal and provincial government helped with financing the new building, according to Ferris. 

“We have a mortgage that's very affordable over the next 30 years, and there's no mandate on how long women can stay. So it'll be affordable for them as long as they need to be there," she said. 

Ferris said women fleeing violence, particularly in rural communities, often don’t have access to a vehicle or funds for a taxi to Amherst. 

“We spend a lot of money on taxi services. Sometimes we ask them to call 911 if they're in immediate danger so that the police can arrive on site and bring them in as needed. That's more rare, but it has been an option,” she said. 

Ferris said expanding public transportation in Cumberland County and guaranteed basic income could help alleviate issues.

MORE TOP STORIES