P.E.I. shelter won't open before Christmas

The Islands only shelter for homeless men wont open in time for Christmas.

The Bedford MacDonald House in Charlottetown has been closed since June. The Salvation Army was set to take over operation of the shelter this fall,but backed outdue to concerns about structural issues.

The P.E.I. government recently announced they werecontributing $20,000to help re-open the shelter.

A group of local churches has also stepped in to help. They hoped to have the shelter open by Christmas, but delays around staffing mean the doors will be closed until after the 25th.

Scott MacIsaac leads one of the churches thats helping out.

"The interviewing process and selection process for staffing is still underway. Its very important that the right people are put into place because were dealing with men who need careful help and we want to be very conscientious to do due diligence on any of the staff members that are brought into place," he said.

Last spring an employee at the shelter was charged with sexual assault of a client.

The Bedford MacDonald House board of directors is looking to fill two and a half positions. They say the house is ready to go and the doors should be open by December 26th or 27th.