Ottawa announces nearly $6M for housing units for children in care in Halifax

Officials pose at Friday's funding announcement. (Carl Pomeroy/CTV News Atlantic)

Two homes that provide safe and stable housing for eight children under the care of Nova Scotia’s minister of opportunities and social development will be built in Halifax.

The federal government announced nearly $6 million in combined funding for the project Friday. Together, the federal and provincial governments and the Halifax Regional Municipality aim “to provide safe and stable housing” for the children while family-based care is sought, according to a news release from the government.

The announcement was made by Braedon Clark, MP for Sackville-Bedford-Preston, on behalf of Gregor Robertson, minister of housing and infrastructure.

“Our Government is focused on delivering housing for Nova Scotians and people across the country,” says Clark in the release. “Supporting the Chisholm Foundation for Children’s project is one of the ways we do that.”

The project will receive a 100 per cent operational subsidy from the Department of Opportunities and Social Development and Chisholm Foundation, which will oversee property management once complete. Since 1972, the foundation has supported more than 2,647 youth and children with their programs and group care.

The Chisholm Foundation currently operates two homes in Halifax, “where it provides stable housing, ensures access to local schools, and supports participation in a wide range of community recreation programs, providing a place of hope and healing,” according to the news release.

Halifax Mayor Andy Fillmore is also quoted as saying, “Every young person deserves a safe, stable place to call home – and projects like this strengthen our communities.

“These homes will help children stay connected to school, services, and the people around them. As our region continues to grow, our focus is on working with partners and being ready to deliver the housing people need – quickly, and where it’s needed most.”

The federal government is providing $5.25 million for the project, while the Chisholm Foundation for Children is giving $2.11 million. Another $500,000 will come from the Nova Scotia Department of Opportunities and Social Development and the Halifax Regional Municipality will provide $200,000.

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