Immediate connection for people in crisis.
In September 2024, intimate partner violence was officially declared an epidemic in Nova Scotia with the unanimous passage of the Intimate Partner Violence Epidemic Act.
At the same time, rates of homelessness have nearly doubled across the province.
For people escaping gender-based violence or experiencing homelessness, access to a mobile phone isn’t a convenience — it’s a lifeline. It’s how someone calls for help, connects with a shelter, reaches family, confirms housing, attends virtual appointments, or simply stays safe.
Crisis Mobile exists to make sure that connection happens immediately.
It has allowed me to slowly — and sometimes secretly — reconnect with people, and I hope that with its help, I can one day make a clean and safe break from him.
This program may save more lives than it truly intended to.
– Crisis Mobile Recipient
What Is Crisis Mobile?
Our Crisis Mobile Program is delivered through our growing network of nearly 60 partner organizations across Nova Scotia. Thanks to continued support from the Nova Scotia Status of Women Office through the National Plan to End Gender-Based Violence, and in collaboration with partners including the Transition House Association of Nova Scotia, this program exists to support individuals experiencing urgent, real-time crisis.
Crisis Mobile phones are not publicly distributed. They are intended for individuals who are actively experiencing crisis situations — including those related to gender-based violence, safety, or instability — where immediate, private communication is critical.
If you are in crisis and believe a phone could support your safety or access to services, we encourage you to connect with one of our Crisis Mobile referral partner organizations.
These trusted organizations assess each situation with care and determine whether a device can be provided.
Phones are pre-delivered to partners and:
- Include a pre-installed SIM card
- Come with a one-month phone plan
- Can be activated online 24/7
No waiting period. No delivery delay. No unnecessary barriers — for those who need it most.
Please note:
- The number of phones available through this program is limited
- Distribution is at the discretion of referral partners, based on individual need and circumstances
This program showed me that people do care about me, since due to my situation, I’ve lost a lot of contact with family and friends and have been very isolated.
– Crisis Mobile Recipient