The Federal government has announced more than $11 million toward more supportive housing in Halifax Regional Municipality through the Rapid Housing Initiative. The Government of Canada announced an additional $1.5 billion dollars to the initiative, making today’s announcement possible. This brings the total amount being invested across the country to more than $4 billion dollars since it launched in 2020, with 25% of investments going toward women-focused housing projects.
This is the third round of investments; the first two rounds gave over $21 million to HRM to create affordable homes, and with this round, a minimum of 36 new units will be created for vulnerable populations.
“With access to programs like RHI, cities like Halifax can play a vital role in planning and building communities for all. The RHI program is testament to what can happen when all orders of government and social agencies join in common purpose to build much-needed affordable homes and address the housing crisis,” said Michael Savage, Mayor of Halifax.
Halifax is one of 41 recipients of the funds.
“Everyone deserves a safe and affordable place to call home. Through the Rapid Housing Initiative, we are quickly providing new affordable housing units for people who need them most, right across Canada, including right here in Halifax. By working closely with our partners to create more affordable housing that meets the needs of Canadians, our government is continuing to deliver meaningful results for Canadians. This is one of the many ways our National Housing Strategy continues to ensure no one is left behind,” The Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of Housing and Diversity and Inclusion.
Quick facts:
-The Government of Canada’s National Housing Strategy (NHS) is an ambitious, 10-year plan that will invest more than $82+ billion to give more Canadians a place to call home.
-Launched in 2020, the Rapid Housing Initiative (RHI) is delivered by the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), under the NHS.
-The first two rounds of the RHI exceeded expectations and are expected to create more than 10,000 units instead of the 7,500 initially planned. This includes more than 3,300 units to support women and more than 4,200 units to support Indigenous Peoples.
-The RHI takes a human rights-based approach to housing, serving people experiencing or at risk of homelessness and other vulnerable people under the NHS, including women and children fleeing domestic violence, seniors, young adults, Indigenous Peoples, people with disabilities, people experiencing mental health and addiction issues, veterans, 2SLGBTQI+ individuals, racialized groups, and recent immigrants or refugees.
Canada’s Minister of Housing, @HonAhmedHussen just announced over $11M for more affordable housing in HRM through Round 3 of the Rapid Housing Initiative!
🏘 The first 2 rounds brought over $21M for the municipality, creating housing for many
➡️➡️All orders of gov must step up pic.twitter.com/DuGPfpLY2i
— Darren Fisher (@DarrenFisherNS) July 10, 2023
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