Black Nova Scotians now have more options in HRM for supportive housing.

The province says there are units available for 35 people in the Westphal area of Dartmouth called the Akwaaba Reverend Wallace Smith Sr. Campus.

It provides culturally responsive programming and supports to prepare residents for permanent housing.

Minister of Community Services Brendan Maguire says people experiencing homelessness sometimes need additional support as they make this transition, and the province needs to meet them where they are.

“902ManUp is a part of this community and understand the needs and unique challenges people are facing.”

The province will spend $2.3 million for staff, wraparound services and supportive programming, as well as $350,000 to service provider, 902 ManUp.

In addition, there a pallet village is coming to Dartmouth for homeless seniors.

It will have 41 units at 35 Atlantic St, in Woodside, with support provided by Quest, a non-for-profit organization focused on support and rehabilitation.

Residents will have on-site wraparound services, including meals, transportation, washrooms and laundry facilities to help them transition to more permanent housing.

As of May, there were nearly 700 supportive housing units across Nova Scotia.