About a dozen people will move into low-cost housing in Halifax next week.

Two apartment buildings will welcome teens, young adults, and a few parents with children.

Timothy Crooks, the executive director of Phoenix Youth Programs, says this is a special kind of hope.

“This is hope that motivates and inspires starts the ‘go’ button on a fresh lease on life,” said Crooks.

The two buildings have six units each. Some youths will share rooms and support staff will be on site 24/7. Rent will be 30 per cent of a person’s income and capped at $500. Utilities, like power, water and internet, are included.

This photo shows inside one of the units in the homes. There are two buildings, each with six apartments. Pictured on April 7, 2025. (Jacob Moore/Acadia Broadcasting)

The buildings were purchased with a $3.68 million dollar loan from the province, and they are co-owned by Phoenix Youth Programs and the Affordable Housing Association of Nova Scotia.

The province will also give the homes $541,000 to run the homes, which will be renewed each year, according to Minister of Social Development Scott Armstrong.

About 60 per cent of the spots are filled, according to a staff member with Phoenix Youth Programs, and the average age of people moving in is in their early 20s.

There are a also few young parents with kids who are also moving in.

A playground is pictured near a youth home that will soon open in Halifax’s north end. Pictured on April 7, 2025. (Jacob Moore/Acadia Broadcasting)

The staff also said they expect to fill the homes by the end of next month. They’re currently in the interview process for applicants.

Armstrong also pointed out that the buildings are right across from a playground and park.

“Just think of the children when they move in here and look out the window for the first time and see a green space like that right across the road,” said Armstrong.