News release

Additional Diversion, Eviction Prevention Support for Nova Scotians

Community Services
homelessness supports
NOTE: A list of organizations receiving funding follows this release.

More support is on the way for Nova Scotians at risk of or currently experiencing homelessness, with the Province providing additional funding to help people with overdue power bills, rental arrears and other barriers to housing.

This support, known as diversion funding, will be provided to 14 community-based organizations – seven in Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM) and seven in rural communities.

“Nova Scotians are facing real challenges right now when it comes to affordability, and for some it can mean the difference between having a home or being homeless,” said Brendan Maguire, Minister of Community Services. “This additional funding is part of the overall supports offered by our service providers and gives them another way to help the people they serve.”

The providers will receive a total of $500,000 to be used for direct, one-time financial support with costs that create barriers to finding or maintaining housing. In addition to the one-time funding, people will be connected to other available supports and services to help them long term, such as housing support workers.

Quotes:

“Housing plays a crucial role in the well-being of individuals and communities, so we are delighted to have received a share of the diversion funds from the Department of Community Services. Funds received will support those at risk of homelessness or to secure stable housing for those in need.”
— Christina Carter, Executive Director, Chebucto Connections

Quick Facts:

  • Community Services provides $980,000 in diversion funding to 18 organizations across the province each year
  • in October, the Province provided an additional $570,000 in one-time diversion funding to 11 organizations – eight in rural Nova Scotia and three in HRM

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

Organizations receiving additional diversion funding:

  • 902ManUp, HRM
  • Adsum for Women and Children, HRM
  • Beacon House, HRM
  • Cape Breton Community Housing Association, Cape Breton Regional Municipality
  • Chebucto Connections, HRM
  • Mi’kmaw Native Friendship Society, HRM
  • Portal Youth Outreach Association, Kentville and area
  • Shelter Nova Scotia, HRM
  • South Shore Open Doors Association, Bridgewater and Queens County
  • Truro Housing Outreach Society, Truro
  • Viola's Place Society, New Glasgow
  • Welcome Housing, HRM
  • YMCA of Cape Breton, Port Hawkesbury
  • YMCA of Cumberland, Amherst

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