New Supportive Housing, Pallet Village Location
People experiencing or at risk of homelessness are receiving more supports to help them advance to permanent housing.
A new supportive housing option for 35 Black and African Nova Scotians is now open in the Westphal area of Dartmouth, with service provider 902ManUp. Called the Akwaaba Reverend Wallace Smith Sr. Campus, it provides culturally responsive programming and supports to prepare residents for permanent housing.
“People experiencing homelessness sometimes need additional support on their transition to permanent housing, and it is important that we meet them where they are,” said Brendan Maguire, Minister of Community Services. “902ManUp is a part of this community and understands the needs and unique challenges people are facing.”
The Department is providing $2.3 million in annual operating costs for staffing, wraparound services, supportive programming and the building lease. 902ManUp also received about $350,000 for one-time set-up costs.
There will also be a new option in Dartmouth available for seniors experiencing homelessness. A Pallet village with 41 units will be located at 35 Atlantic St., with support provided by Quest, a not-for-profit organization focused on support and rehabilitation. Residents will have on-site wraparound services, including meals, transportation, washrooms and laundry facilities, to help them transition to a more permanent housing option.
Quotes:
“Our government is committed to collaborating and investing in community-based housing opportunities for Black and African Nova Scotians so they can stay in their communities. The new 902ManUp residence in Westphal provides a culturally focused housing option to support individuals in community as they look to find permanent housing. I am pleased that the facility is named in honour of the memory of the late Rev. Wallace Smith Sr. and his commitment to the African Nova Scotian community.”
— Twila Grosse, Minister of African Nova Scotian Affairs
“Rev. Wallace Smith Sr. selflessly gave his attention to heal and comfort those impacted by gun violence. The Akwaaba campus is reflective of the ideals that Rev. Smith Sr. embraced and lived by throughout his lifetime. As an Africentric spiritual, safe and culturally authentic residence, the campus offers residents a holistic approach to care and well-being that promotes community development and embraces our collective heritage, faith, strength and identity.”
— Marcus James and Peter Campbell, co-founders, 902ManUp
Quick Facts:
- as of May 21, there were 693 supportive housing units across the province, with 524 created since the fall of 2021
- Akwaaba campus is dedicated to the late Rev. Wallace Smith Sr., a community advocate who was committed to addressing the issue of gun violence affecting youth in African Nova Scotian communities
- 902ManUp is a non-profit volunteer organization primarily dedicated to the advancement of all Black communities in Nova Scotia
- founded in 2016 in response to an increase in violence impacting Black males, 902ManUp provides supports to people experiencing homelessness, ensuring they have access to the services they need; it also operates shelters on North Park Street and at the Halifax Forum multi-purpose centre in Halifax, and Windmill Road in Dartmouth
Additional Resources:
News release – New Community Housing Hub, Emergency Shelter in Cumberland County https://news.novascotia.ca/en/2024/03/14/new-community-housing-hub-emergency-shelter-cumberland-county
News release – The Bridge Integrated Services Shelter Extended: https://news.novascotia.ca/en/2024/03/07/bridge-integrated-services-shelter-extended
News release – More Funding for Supportive Housing, Shelter Options: https://news.novascotia.ca/en/2023/10/11/more-funding-supportive-housing-shelter-options