More Support for Nova Scotians Escaping Gender-Based Violence

People fleeing gender-based violence can now access support for housing with funding available through the Canada Housing Benefit.

“No one should live in fear. We want survivors of gender-based violence to know supports are available and they have options,” said Jill Balser, Minister responsible for the Advisory Council on the Status of Women, on behalf John Lohr, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing. “We hope this benefit will help survivors find a place to call home where they can build their lives in safety.”

This new support, jointly funded by the Province and Government of Canada, provides eligible individuals and families with financial assistance for housing for up to two years.

In the first year, the benefit provides a flat rate based on family composition and the number of bedrooms required. This recognizes that individuals exiting violence may be experiencing financial abuse or face barriers to accessing other types of benefits because of complex family situations. The rates are:

• $900/month for one-bedroom accommodations
• $1,100/month for two bedrooms
• $1,400/month for three or more bedrooms.

Eligibility and amounts will be reassessed in the second year based on household income and average market rents.

People applying for the benefit must have a referral from a recognized transition house or other agency. Applications are now available at transition houses, Alice House, Nisa Homes, the Mi’kmaw Native Friendship Centre, Adsum House and the Avalon Sexual Assault Centre.

Nova Scotia is the third province to co-design a program under the Canada Housing Benefit meant for survivors of gender-based violence. Supporting survivors of gender-based violence is part of the Province’s five-year housing plan, Our Homes, Action for Housing.

Quotes:

“The federal government has invested more than $4 billion in the Canada Housing Benefit to provide direct assistance to households in need. However, housing affordability can still be a barrier for many people experiencing violence from seeking a safe place to live, which is why we are partnering with provinces and territories to enhance the housing benefit. With this additional funding, we are partnering with Nova Scotia to lend a hand to those who have experienced gender-based violence, including women, children and 2SLGBTQI+ people, find a safe and affordable place to call home.”
— Darren Fisher, Member of Parliament for Dartmouth-Cole Harbour, on behalf of Sean Fraser, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities

“The lack of affordable and safe housing options remains a major barrier preventing women from escaping abusive relationships. In Nova Scotia, where women report higher rates of intimate partner violence than in other provinces, this new benefit is a crucial first step towards providing victims and survivors with the resources they need to find safe and stable housing during one of the most challenging times in their lives.”
— Ann de Ste Croix, Provincial Co-ordinator, Transition House Association of Nova Scotia

“Bryony House applauds the newly announced targeted housing benefit for survivors of gender-based violence. This benefit represents a crucial step in addressing the broader challenges faced by survivors at a critical time. This initiative will significantly aid those we assist in their transition out of the shelter and into housing. We look forward to seeing the positive impact it will have on our community.”
— Monika Hintz, Executive Director, Bryony House

Quick Facts:

• the Government of Canada is investing $11.3 million over four years in the new benefit, matched by the Province
• it is estimated that the new benefit will support about 400 households over the next four years, including about 130 households in 2024-25
• gender-based violence can include verbal, emotional, spiritual, sexual, physical, mental and financial harm, as well as domestic violence, intimate partner violence, sexual violence, sex trafficking, criminal harassment and coercive control
• in 2024-25, Nova Scotia will invest more than $69 million in rent supplements, benefiting about 8,500 households
• the final report of the Mass Casualty Commission recommended governments, service providers, community-based organizations and others engaged with the gender-based violence advocacy and support sector take a systemic approach to learning about and removing barriers to women survivors of gender-based violence (Recommendation V. 9a)

Additional Resources:

Survivors of gender-based violence benefit: https://beta.novascotia.ca/apply-survivors-gender-based-violence-housing-benefit

Our Homes, Action for Housing: https://novascotia.ca/action-for-housing/docs/strategic-plan-action-for-housing.pdf

Information on Nova Scotia’s rent supplement program: https://housing.novascotia.ca/programs/canada-nova-scotia-targeted-housing-benefit

Turning the Tide Together – Final Report of the Mass Casualty Commission: https://masscasualtycommission.ca/final-report

The National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence: https://www.canada.ca/en/women-gender-equality/gender-based-violence/intergovernmental-collaboration/national-action-plan-end-gender-based-violence.html