The Department of Community services is providing over $1,000,000 to the Mi’kmaw Native Friendship Centre for two supportive housing options in HRM, for at risk Indigenous women and children.
“We need a variety of solutions for people experiencing, or at risk of, homelessness -solutions that meet their individual needs,” said Community Services Minister Karla MacFarlane. “Addressing people’s cultural needs will be an essential part of this project’s success in helping them maintain their housing.”
The Sage House has undergone renovations and now has room for nine women as well as a fourplex in Bedford, with support and programming at both sites. Programming includes Elder support, cooking classes and other food programs, life-skills training, parenting support, cultural ceremonies and traditions, and access to mental health and addictions support.
“We know first-hand that cultural support is a cornerstone in the effort to break the cycle of homelessness for Indigenous people. There has been a lot of progress in recent years cultivating these supportive housing strategies which continues to result in positive outcomes for our community. We are grateful for this project funding and our partnership with the provincial government,” Pam Glode Desrochers, Executive Director, Mi’kmaw Native Friendship Centre.
Quick Facts:
— annual funding for Sage House is $681,080
— annual funding for the fourplex is $366,763
— the Mi’kmaw Native Friendship Centre has another transitional supportive housing program in Halifax called the Diamond Bailey Healing Centre; it receives $1,699,300 annually for 42 co-ed units for urban Indigenous people
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