From tent to motel: The story of a Halifax man’s homelessness journey

A Halifax man who was previously tenting in Victoria Park is happy to have a roof over his head, but he worries about those still living in encampments when tourist season starts.

Michel Babineau finally feels like he’s back on his feet.

After a long winter of homelessness – spent camping in Halifax’s Victoria Park – he moved into a room at the Chebucto Inn two months ago, allowing him to take part in everyday activities that some might take for granted.

“I can lock the door, I can take a shower, I can watch TV,” Babineau said. “I can think of other things than survival on the street.”

This newfound stability also allows him to work on his resume and apply for jobs. Now that he has an address to put on his job applications, his future’s looking brighter.

“I’m looking for work now,” said Babineau, a former computer programmer. “So it’s a step up in the right direction.”

Babineau is one of several unhoused people staying at the Chebucto Inn, a family-run business on Lady Hammond Road.

Natasha Compton, one of the motel’s owners, said her father came to Nova Scotia as an immigrant and started out as a dishwasher.

“We’ve always been focused on giving back – you know, how can we help people?” she said. “And with this housing crisis, there has been a real need for people just to have shelter.”