Government of Canada to Build Transitional Housing for Survivors of Family Violence in Dartmouth

Logo: Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CNW Group/Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation)

Logo: Government of Canada (CNW Group/Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation)

DARTMOUTH, NS, March 4, 2019 /CNW/ - Every Canadian deserves a safe and affordable place to call home. That is why, in May 2018, the Government launched the National Housing Co-Investment Fund (NHCF), the largest program of its kind in Canadian history.

Today in Dartmouth, Darren Fisher, Member of Parliament for Dartmouth — Cole Harbour, and Andy Fillmore, Member of Parliament for Halifax, on behalf of the Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development and Minister responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), announced a federal government financial commitment of more than $2.33 million for the construction of the New Bryony House Shelter, a 24-bed emergency crisis shelter to be located in Dartmouth.

Thanks to this commitment by the NHCF, a pillar initiative of the National Housing Strategy (NHS), and to the involvement of other partners, notably Housing Nova Scotia, the Halifax Regional Municipality and the Nova Scotia Advisory Council on the Status of Women, this project by the Halifax Transition House Association (HTHA) will provide shelter and transitional housing for more women and their children survivors of family violence. In addition, programs and services, including 24-hour supportive counseling, will be offered to the tenants.

The Bryony House has been operating for over 40 years and its current building, built in 1882, is showing its age and is no longer suitable. The new shelter will offer enhanced and increased safety for women and children. Additionally, the current shelter is overcrowded whereas the new shelter, with 24 bedrooms, will accommodate more people as well as bigger families. The new shelter will also be able to offer individual autonomy in room stay.

Quotes

"We know that folks in Dartmouth-Cole Harbour care about our community and care deeply about the safety and health of others. On behalf of our community, I'm happy to welcome Byrony House to Dartmouth. The peace of mind that comes with having a secure and stable home is invaluable. This project is another example of our Government's commitment toward ensuring that survivors of family violence are able to enjoy a safe and stable environment." – Darren Fisher, Member of Parliament for Dartmouth — Cole Harbour

"Through the National Housing Strategy, our Government is providing assistance to those who need it most here in Nova Scotia and in all corners of the country. At least 25% of the NHS will support projects specifically targeting the unique needs of women and girls. We believe everyone deserves an opportunity to succeed and this is why we are extremely happy to be supporting this wonderful project." – Andy Fillmore, Member of Parliament for Halifax

"The new Bryony House will offer a safe place to stay for women and children leaving violence that will have flexible space to meet their needs. This will allow them to heal and get the support they need." – Kelly Regan, Minister of Community Services, and responsible for the Nova Scotia Advisory Council on the Status of Women and Housing Nova Scotia.

"We are grateful for the support of the federal government through CMHC, which will, along with other partners, allow us to build a new Bryony House shelter that is best able to serve the needs of our clients and the community. HTHA is doing important and critical work for women and children, and this type of investment matters." – Leigh Davis, Board Chairperson, Halifax Transition House Association

"The funding Commitment provided through CMHC's NHCF will help to ensure that the new Bryony House shelter offers a place where women and children can heal and thrive with dignity. Together we can place a circle of support around women, families and the community to address intimate partner violence." – Maria Mac Intosh, Executive Director, Halifax Transition House Association

Quick Facts

• The total cost of the New Bryony House Shelter construction project is close to $6.54 million.
• With its new building, the Halifax Transition House Association aims to achieve energy savings of 25% and a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions of 25% compared to the NECB in 2015.
• All units and common areas of the building will be accessible through universal design.
• With a budget of $13.2 billion, NHCF gives priority to projects that help those in greatest need, including women and children fleeing of family violence, seniors, Indigenous peoples, people with disabilities, those with mental health and addiction issues, veterans and young adults.
• Through the NHCF, the Government of Canada will work with partners to build up to 60,000 new affordable homes and repair up to 240,000 existing affordable and community homes over the next 10 years.
• Investments are also planned in the NHCF to create or repair at least 4,000 shelter spaces for survivors of family violence and create at least 7,000 new affordable housing units for seniors and 2,400 new affordable housing units for people with developmental disabilities.
• Under the Investing in Canada plan, the Government of Canada is investing more than $180 billion over 12 years in public transit projects, green infrastructure, social infrastructure, trade and transportation routes, and Canada's rural and northern communities.

Associated Links

• As Canada's authority on housing, CMHC contributes to the stability of the housing market and financial system, provides support for Canadians in housing need, and offers unbiased housing research and advice to all levels of Canadian government, consumers and the housing industry. For more information, visit our website or follow us on Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook.
• To find out more about the National Housing Strategy, visit www.placetocallhome.ca.

SOURCE Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation

Information on this release : Valérie Glazer, Press secretary, Office of the Minister of Families, Children and Social Development, 613-220-1841, [email protected]; Catherine Léger, Public Affairs, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, 514-475-5165, [email protected]

Related Links

www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca