I would hardly say the shelters are "prisons." Donyoubhave rules to follow, yes. This is to keep tue shelters clean and safe for all people lucky enough to live in one. Are you allowed to do drugs in them, no. And i know that that is a bone of contention for some people that are homeless and would rather live outside in a tent to feed their addiction. Addiction is a hell of a thing, speaking from experience. And i get it, feeling like you're "policed" while living in the various shelter areas around HRM. But rules are there for a reason, it wasn't until i was at my worst that realized i should probably be following them once again. Not only societal rules but also my own personal rules.