More Funding For Black-Led Community Housing
Black-led community-based housing organizations now have more provincial support to pursue opportunities.
The Province has invested an additional $2 million in the Community Housing Growth Fund to create a dedicated stream to support Black-led community housing initiatives.
“We know that African Nova Scotians have been historically underserved when it comes to housing opportunities,” said Municipal Affairs and Housing Minister John Lohr. “This investment is focused on supporting the growth of Black-led community housing organizations so they can create homes that address their unique needs.”
The Community Housing Transformation Centre is administering the fund and will allocate grants to approved projects over three years. Funding is available to support:
- capacity building
- planning and pre-development
- research and innovation.
Grants for Black-led housing initiatives are approved by a dedicated selection committee that includes African Nova Scotians.
Applications and criteria are available at: https://centre.support/community-housing-growth-fund/
Quotes:
“Government is committed to addressing the historical housing inequities experienced by African Nova Scotians. This $2-million investment will create vital housing organizations to build capacity, plan and explore innovative options. Growing community capacity is an essential step in finding effective, sustainable solutions and addressing the unique interests and housing needs of Black Nova Scotians.”
– Twila Grosse, Minister of African Nova Scotian Affairs
“The support from the Nova Scotia Community Housing Growth Fund is a welcome boost to our grassroots efforts. This capacity-building grant empowers the Upper Hammonds Plains Community Land Trust to take a significant step forward, collaborating with partners to enhance our organizational strength. It's a move that supports our community’s future.”
– Brandon David, founding member, Upper Hammonds Plains Community Land Trust
“The Centre applauds the Province of Nova Scotia’s commitment to supporting the growth of the community housing sector and to meeting the housing needs of people of African descent. Through our partnership with the Province, we have been working with several Black-led housing groups in Nova Scotia who want to address the housing crisis in their communities. This additional funding will definitely help them achieve their goals.”
– Stephan Richard, Director of Development, Community Housing Transformation Centre
Quick Facts:
- the Community Housing Transformation Centre is a non-profit organization that provides financial and technical resources to foster organizational development and the sustainable growth of the community housing sector in Canada
- 56 community housing projects in Nova Scotia have received close to $2.25 million in grants through the Community Housing Growth Fund since 2022
Additional Resources:
The Province’s five-year housing plan – Our Homes, Action for Housing: https://novascotia.ca/action-for-housing/
News release – Province Creates Community Housing Growth Fund: https://novascotia.ca/news/release/?id=20220420001
Community Housing Transformation Centre: https://centre.support/
Mandate letter for the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing: https://novascotia.ca/exec_council/letters-2021/ministerial-mandate-letter-2021-MAH-EMO-MR.pdf