News release

Funding for Permanent, Supportive Housing in Sydney

Community Services

The province is investing $553,000 to provide safe, permanent homes and support services for men exiting homelessness in Sydney.

The Cape Breton Community Housing Association will provide supportive housing for six men at its Union Street property and will continue to provide supports for eight others at its Margaret Street site.

“We’re working to ensure people in our community who may be experiencing homelessness or are in temporary emergency shelters have the supports they need,” said Derek Mombourquette, Minister of Education and Early Childhood Development, on behalf of Kelly Regan, Minister of Community Services. “Our goal is to provide more permanent, supportive housing for people across the province, including in Cape Breton Regional Municipality.”

The new supportive housing on Union Street is expected to be operational in the fall. In addition to safe housing, those living at the two sites will have access to clinical care, peer support, addiction services and mental health support.

Today’s announcement is part of a province-wide effort to ensure Nova Scotians who are experiencing homelessness have safe, available housing and to help create more options for permanent, supportive housing.

Earlier this week, the Rankin government announced an investment of $350,000 to add 15 temporary shelter beds in partnership with the Mi'kmaw Native Friendship Centre in Halifax. The province is also providing $100,000 to develop a proposal for a community-based, permanent housing project for up to 100 women and children.

Quotes:

“This funding will allow Cape Breton Community Housing to provide expanded residential support options for individuals who are exiting homelessness but who are not yet ready for living completely independently. The supported housing will help bridge the gap that exists between absolute homelessness and full independent living. It is a game-changer for the individuals who need it and will help to set them up for long-term success.”

– Fred Deveaux, executive director, Cape Breton Community Housing Association

Quick Facts:

  • the Margaret Street site is federally funded until June 30
  • effective July 1, the province will assume the ongoing costs to ensure this supportive housing continues on a permanent basis
  • in 2020-21, 515 people in Cape Breton Regional Municipality received housing support under the Integrated Action Plan to Address Homelessness