**** Justice Media Release
Supportive Housing for People Leaving Custody
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Safe and supportive housing can help people transitioning out of correctional facilities overcome barriers and make positive changes in their lives.
The Province is investing $2.6 million in three supportive housing programs: The John Howard Society will receive $1.6 million; Elizabeth Fry Society of Mainland Nova Scotia and Elizabeth Fry Society of Cape Breton will receive $950,000; and Marguerite Centre $50,000.
This will help fund transitional beds under the Correctional Services division’s conditional release program operated by the Department of Justice.
“We know safe housing and other supports are key factors to making a difference for people who are involved with the criminal justice system,” said Brad Johns, Attorney General and Minister of Justice. “Our well-established relationships with community partners help ensure at-risk Nova Scotians have a solid foundation to move forward with their lives.”
These beds, as well as education, program and social work services provided by Correctional Services staff, will provide continued support so people can successfully return to and stay in the community.
Quotes:
“The decision by the Nova Scotia Government to provide Holly House with operational funding to support the safe reintegration of women and gender diverse people will directly improve outcomes for some of the province’s most vulnerable people. Holly House provides rehabilitative and reintegration programs and resources to highly vulnerable people. We are so happy to be receiving operational funding to support the safe, community-based reintegration of women and gender diverse peoples. This funding will save lives.”
– Emma Halpern, Executive Director, Elizabeth Fry Society of Mainland Nova Scotia
“Women and gender diverse individuals who have been given a custodial sentence are often released to the same conditions that led to their criminalization. Our society provides gradual reintegration to individuals through comprehensive residential services and programs to address the root causes of their criminalization. We would like to thank the Department of Justice for recognizing the importance of a gradual release system and supporting us in this endeavor.”
– Julie Kendall, Associate Executive Director, Elizabeth Fry Society of Cape Breton
“The John Howard Society of Nova Scotia is pleased to continue to partner with the Nova Scotia Department of Justice in the provision of supportive housing and transitional support for criminalized men. The funding from the Department of Justice will enable the society to support more men in communities across the province, where men can heal and repair harm.”
– Leisha Seymour, Executive Director, The John Howard Society of Nova Scotia
“The Marguerite Centre supports women recovering from addiction. We offer a long-term abstinence-based residential program focusing on the healing of mind, body and spirit. We believe in the right for women to recover from their addictions in a safe residential setting where their unique needs will be met, their issues addressed and their voices heard. Our woman-centered, holistic approach to programming empowers women to create their own path to healing and recovery.”
– Lisa Mullin, Executive Director, Marguerite Centre
Quick Facts:
–Elizabeth Fry Society is a non-profit organization supporting women, girls, non-binary and gender diverse individuals to remain in, or successfully reintegrate into, the community
— the society offers critical supports for safe transitional housing in Halifax and Sydney, as well as programming both in correctional facilities and in the community
— The John Howard Society provides transitional housing and essential support and services to men involved in the justice system
— its programs assist men in developing essential skills that will prepare them to transition to independent living
— Marguerite Centre provides support to women recovering from substance misuse and gambling addiction
Additional Resources:
Elizabeth Fry Society of Mainland Nova Scotia: https://www.efrymns.ca/
Elizabeth Fry Society of Cape Breton: https://www.efrycb.com/
The John Howard Society of Nova Scotia: https://www.jhsns.ca/
Marguerite Centre: https://themargueritecentre.com/
