NationTalk: Two supportive housing options are now available for urban Indigenous women and children at risk of homelessness in Halifax Regional Municipality.

The Department has provided the Mi’kmaw Native Friendship Centre more than $1 million in annual funding for Sage House, which has room for nine women, and a fourplex in Bedford. The centre will ensure culturally relevant programming and wraparound services are available at both sites.

“We need a variety of solutions for people experiencing, or at risk of, homelessness –solutions that meet their individual needs,” said Community Services Minister Karla MacFarlane. “Addressing people’s cultural needs will be an essential part of this project’s success in helping them maintain their housing.”

Support and programming at the sites include Elder support, cooking classes and other food programs, life-skills training, parenting support, cultural ceremonies and traditions, and access to mental health and addictions support.

Renovations at Sage House were completed recently, and there are residents at both sites. The length of a resident’s stay in transitional supportive housing programs varies based on individual circumstances. When a resident has the confidence and skills to successfully maintain housing, they are ready to transition to independent living.

Quotes:

We know first-hand that cultural support is a cornerstone in the effort to break the cycle of homelessness for Indigenous people. There has been a lot of progress in recent years cultivating these supportive housing strategies which continues to result in positive outcomes for our community. We are grateful for this project funding and our partnership with the provincial government. Pam Glode Desrochers, Executive Director, Mi’kmaw Native Friendship Centre

Quick Facts:

• annual funding for Sage House is $681,080
• annual funding for the fourplex is $366,763
• the Mi’kmaw Native Friendship Centre has another transitional supportive housing program in Halifax called the Diamond Bailey Healing Centre; it receives $1,699,300 annually for 42 co-ed units for urban Indigenous people

Additional Resources:

Recent investment in the new Mi’kmaw Native Friendship Centre:https://novascotia.ca/news/release/?id=20230627001

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