Demand Soars at Autumn House Amid Holiday Crisis in Nova Scotia

Demand at Autumn House, one of Nova Scotia’s smallest transition houses, surged during the December 2025 holiday season. The organization reported a 50 percent increase in requests for beds compared to the previous year, highlighting a growing crisis in the region related to intimate partner violence.

Increased Demand Reflects Wider Crisis

According to Dawn Ferris, executive director of Autumn House in Amherst, N.S., the final month of the year typically sees a spike in requests for shelter. However, this holiday season was noticeably busier than usual, with a less pronounced lull in calls around Christmas Day. “We were busier over the Christmas holiday than we’ve ever been,” Ferris stated.

This increase coincides with the province’s declaration of an epidemic concerning intimate partner violence. Ferris attributed some of the heightened demand to the rising cost of living, which she believes is intensifying stress within households. “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 explained.

Expanding Housing Options for Survivors

Autumn House currently accommodates up to 10 women and children each night, but alternative arrangements are in place when capacity is reached. As part of their ongoing efforts to provide support, the organization is expanding its long-term housing options. In September 2025, Autumn House purchased a five-unit apartment building to offer affordable housing specifically for women and children at risk.

“They are all fully rented,” Ferris noted, highlighting the immediate need for such housing. The building includes two undeveloped apartments that the organization plans to develop within the next 18 months, contingent on securing funding. The federal and provincial governments provided financing for the new property, allowing Autumn House to maintain an affordable mortgage over the next 30 years. “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,” Ferris added.

In addition to housing challenges, Ferris noted that many women fleeing violence, particularly in rural areas, often lack transportation options. “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,” she said. Although this approach is rare, it remains a critical option for those in urgent situations.

Ferris believes that increasing public transportation options in Cumberland County and implementing a guaranteed basic income could significantly alleviate some of the issues faced by those seeking help.

The escalating demand for services at Autumn House reflects broader societal challenges that continue to affect communities across Nova Scotia. As the shelter works to expand its capacity and resources, the fight against intimate partner violence remains a pressing concern that requires ongoing attention and action.