**** CNS Media Release
New Homes for People Experiencing Homelessness
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The Province is taking action to help people experiencing homelessness by working with the Government of Canada and Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM) to create 65 new permanent supportive housing options.
The former Travelodge hotel in Dartmouth is being converted to supportive housing units for people who are chronically unhoused. The hotel will be renamed The Overlook and be operated by the Affordable Housing Association of Nova Scotia and the North End Community Health Centre.
“Many people experiencing chronic homelessness need additional support to maintain housing,” said Karla MacFarlane, Minister of Community Services. “This partnership will provide the supports needed for people to live safe and meaningful lives within their community. We look forward to welcoming people to their new home.”
The Overlook is the first harm reduction focused housing project in Nova Scotia. Wraparound services for residents will include occupational therapy, onsite nursing and addictions counselling, harm reduction services and peer support.
The federal government and HRM are contributing $6.5 million through the Cities Stream under the Rapid Housing Initiative. The Province is providing $3.5 million to purchase the former hotel and will cover $1.5 million in annual operating costs.
Quotes:
“Every Canadian deserves the peace of mind of a safe and affordable place to call home. Today’s announcement, along with the funding through the Rapid Housing Initiative, will go a long way to support those who need it most. It will quickly provide 65 new affordable homes for Dartmouth’s most vulnerable population and keep them safe. This is one of the ways our National Housing Strategy continues to ensure that no one is left behind.”
– Ahmed Hussen, Minister of Housing and Diversity and Inclusion and Minister Responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation
“Our Government’s support through the Rapid Housing Initiative will help provide safe, supportive housing here in Dartmouth for those most vulnerable. Quickly repurposing this hotel into comfortable housing for those who need it the most will leave a lasting positive impact on our community. We’re always stronger when we work together, and good initiatives like this one are strengthened by having all orders of government at the table.”
– Darren Fisher, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Seniors and Member of Parliament for Dartmouth-Cole Harbour
“The Rapid Housing Initiative is a testament to what can happen when all orders of government and social agencies join in common purpose to build much-needed affordable homes and address the housing crisis. Together, we can improve the lives of vulnerable people by starting with safe, secure, stable housing.”
– Mike Savage, Mayor, Halifax Regional Municipality
“The Affordable Housing Association of Nova Scotia is thrilled to be a partner with the North End Community Health Centre in buying and operating the former Travelodge and converting it to supportive housing. Offering harm reduction housing will help us reduce chronic homelessness in Halifax Regional Municipality. We’re grateful for the support from all three levels of government.”
– Jim Graham, Executive Director, Affordable Housing Association of Nova Scotia
“The North End Community Health Clinic is thrilled to partner on providing permanent supportive housing to people who would otherwise not have access to housing. These units will provide safe and independent living for people in our community through a harm reduction approach so they can live with stability and dignity.”
– Marie-France LeBlanc, Executive Director, North End Community Health Centre
Quick Facts:
— projects approved under the federal Rapid Housing Initiative must be completed within one year
— five units at The Overlook will be designated for respite care for unhoused individuals after release from hospital
Additional Resources:
Affordable Housing Association of Nova Scotia: https://www.ahans.ca/
North End Community Health Centre: https://nechc.com/
Mandate letter of the Minister of Community Services: https://novascotia.ca/exec_council/letters-2021/ministerial-mandate-letter-2021-DCS-OLA-SOW.pdf
