More Supportive Housing for Families, Couples, Individuals in the Annapolis Valley
A new supportive housing unit in Waterville; 22 new units will provide more options to people in the Annapolis Valley. (Communications Nova Scotia)
People in need of supportive housing in the Annapolis Valley have more options with the addition of 22 new units in Waterville and Kentville.
“Housing for young families has been a challenge in Nova Scotia,” said Brendan Maguire, Minister of Community Services. “These units, and the incredible partnerships with Portal and Valley Roots, will provide much-needed housing with the supportive services that foster safety, stability and community.”
In Waterville, 16 new supportive housing units for individuals, couples or families will provide up to 40 people – young adults and their children – an affordable, safe place to live.
Six new units in Kentville, in partnership with the Valley Roots Housing Association, are for adults 19 and older who are experiencing homelessness and require 24/7 support to maintain their tenancy.
The Portal Youth Outreach Association will provide wraparound services at both sites. Services offered will depend on the people who live there and could include system navigation, employment services and mental health and addiction supports.
A new supportive housing unit in Waterville; 22 new units will provide more options to people in the Annapolis Valley. (Communications Nova Scotia)
Quotes:
“We’re pleased to help Valley Roots buy this property so that residents will have a safe place to call home with access to the services and community supports they may need. With innovative programs like CHAP, we’re taking action to address the housing crisis in Nova Scotia.”
— John Lohr, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing
“These two supportive living programs will create lasting change for individuals, parents and their children. By breaking the cycle of generational homelessness, this investment is a powerful step toward ending homelessness for good.”
— Russ Sanche, Executive Director, Portal Youth Outreach Association
Quick Facts:
- the Valley Roots Housing Association received a $475,000 low-interest loan through the Province’s Community Housing Acquisition Program (CHAP) to purchase the property in Kentville
- the supportive housing in Waterville includes 12 units for families and four for singles or couples; the Department of Community Services is providing $250,000 for building and operating costs in 2024-25 and $305,000 per year moving forward
- the six units in Kentville are for single people; Community Services is providing $660,000 for one-time set-up, building and operating costs in 2024-25 and $770,000 per year moving forward
- these 22 new supportive housing units bring the provincial total to 712, with 543 created since the fall of 2021
Additional Resources:
Portal Youth Outreach Association: https://www.portalyouth.ca/
News release – Additional Diversion, Eviction Prevention Support for Nova Scotians https://news.novascotia.ca/en/2024/06/05/additional-diversion-eviction-prevention-support-nova-scotians