New Supportive Housing in Cape Breton

The Province is investing in new transitional, supportive housing in Cape Breton to help women exiting correctional facilities get a new start.

Operated by the Elizabeth Fry Society of Cape Breton, the Axis Point Program is the first transitional, supportive housing option for adult women on the island. It provides housing for six residents at two properties in the Sydney area.

“A home is much more than a safe, warm place to sleep,” said Community Services Minister Karla MacFarlane. “Being in a supportive environment helps women get a fresh start by providing services that can be life changing by breaking the cycle of poverty and involvement with the justice system.”

The program will receive $559,000 for operations and on-site services and supports, which include 24-hour staffing, mental health and employment services, and helping residents find permanent housing.

Quotes:

“Women and gender-diverse individuals who are criminalized often cannot find housing for various reasons. This makes it difficult for them to turn their lives around. The Axis Point Program is designed to provide a safe and secure place for people to reside while addressing the issues that led them to our doors. Many lives in our community will be positively impacted by this project.”

– Darlene MacEachern, Executive Director, Elizabeth Fry Society of Cape Breton

Quick Facts:

• the Axis Point Program supports the Minister’s mandate to expand the number of supportive housing units provincewide
• in addition to the Department of Community Services, supportive housing involves the departments of Municipal Affairs and Housing, Health and Wellness and Justice, and the Office of Addictions and Mental Health

Additional Resources:

Elizabeth Fry Society of Cape Breton: https://www.efrycb.com

News release – Addressing Homelessness in Rural Nova Scotia:
https://novascotia.ca/news/release/?id=20220217002

Mandate letter of the Minister of Community Services: https://novascotia.ca/exec_council/letters-2021/ministerial-mandate-letter-2021-DCS-OLA-SOW.pdf