Autumn House

Autumn House provides shelter, counselling and community support services for women and their children In the meantime, safe homes would be a temporary measure.

In November 1985, individuals in through Cumberland County had their first meeting. These people were concerned over the lack of services in Cumberland County to deal with intimate partner violence. A steering committee was formed and in October 1986 the Association was incorporated under the Societies Act of Nova Scotia. The first staff person was hired in April 1987 to carry out a needs assessme

nt. An office was opened in Amherst and a crisis line was set up (667-1200), which is still in use today. In May 1987 a planning session was held to determine the immediate and long term focus. A mission statement, goals and objectives were developed as a multi-faceted approach to domestic violence in Cumberland County. In August of 1987, financial support for a retainer fee for safe homes was secured from the Municipal units. In October 1987, a commitment from the Minister of Social Services stated that Cumberland County was in line for the next Transition House after Colchester County. Two safe homes were chosen in the Amherst area in November 1987. Safe homes were approved private homes where women and children could be placed for up to 21 days. A safe home provided secure, emergency shelter in a time of crisis. Between November 1985 and June 1988 there was much work to be done. A board of directors needed to be put in place, funding needed to be established and staff needed to be hired and additional training provided. In June 1988 there was much excitement. It was announced by Community Services that Cumberland County was at the top of the priority list for transition house funding. In October 1988 an "expression of interest" was submitted by CMHC for funding to build the transition house under Project Haven. This was a recently announced federal program to establish additional shelters for abused women and their children. In May of 1989, a letter was received from Project Haven stating that funding had been approved. September 11, 1990 Cumberland County Transition House opened its doors in Amherst, Nova Scotia. The shelter is more often referred to as Autumn House.

06/10/2026

Hi everyone,

We have a women in need of a double bed frame, mattress, and box spring.

If you are able to donate please call (902) 667-1344. Thank you

06/04/2026

Hi Everyone -

Our Open/Drop-in group tonight rom 5:30-7:30 is cancelled.

Have a great day! :)

05/25/2026

Do you know someone who may be experiencing violence in their relationship — or someone causing harm?

This workshop offers practical tools for recognizing when a friend, neighbour, or family member may be in distress within an intimate partner relationship, and how to respond with care and support.
Participants will also explore ways to safely interrupt and challenge verbal misogyny when it happens in everyday conversations, with real-life examples and strategies for speaking up.

Together, we can build safer, more connected communities.

Sign up by emailing: [email protected]

05/21/2026

Hi Everyone,
Our Open/Drop-in group tonight rom 5:30-7:30 is cancelled.
Thank you!

05/14/2026

05/14/2026

Transgender rights ARE Human Rights
We support you!

05/06/2026

We have very exciting news

Get your tickets before we’re sold out

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/mary-walsh-book-reading-tickets-1988928872799

05/06/2026

Thank you to everyone who came out and joined us at the Red Dress Walk event. Today is a day to honour and remember the missing and murdered indigenous women, girls, and two spirit people.

04/28/2026

Join us on May 5th.

Please don't wear a red dress but come with a red dress on a hanger - we are holding space for those missing and murdered.

Red Dress Day began as the REDress project, an art installation started in 2015 by Jamie Black - A Red River Métis activist and artist who wanted to bring attention to the epidemic of gender based violence against Indigenous women, girls and two-spirit people.

According to Jamie, the empty dresses are a visual reminder of people we never should have lost. The red is the only colour the spirits can see, acting as a guide to allow them to be among family, as well as a representation of vitality, violence, and the lifeblood that runs through us all.

Want to be an ally?
🔴 Share posts, use hashtags
🔴 Wear red on May 5th
🔴 Wear a red dress pin
🔴 Support vigils, walks, and community discussions
🔴 Learn more with the links provided
🔴 Hang a red dress outside where it can be seen

Resources:
https://www.mmiwg-ffada.ca/
https://www.nativewomenswilderness.org/mmiw
https://www.rcaanc-cirnac.gc.ca/eng/1448633299414/1534526479029

Thank you to the Autumn House and Lilac Place: Resources for Women for making this event possible.

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Telephone

902-667-1200

Website

http://thans.ca/get-help/find-a-shelter/autumn-house/

Address

Amherst, NS
B4H4L2

Autumn House

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