The housing crisis is affecting everyone, from all sorts of income levels, and is not limited to the urban area, but is instead spread throughout the province. We’ve compiled a province-wide list of legal resources, organizations that can help, and other options to help you work through your situation.
You can jump directly to the regions with these links:
Province-wide
Central Region, HRM
South Shore
Valley Region
Northern Region
Highlands/Guysborough
Cape Breton
If we’ve missed a resource, please email Suzanne Rent (suzanne “at” halifaxexaminer “dot” ca.)
To share your housing story with us, email us ( housing “at” halifaxexaminer “dot” ca) or call us toll-free at 1-819-803-6215.
Province-wide
Affordable Housing Association of Nova Scotia
1B-192 Wyse Road, Dartmouth | 902 406.4276 |info@ahans.ca
A non-profit dedicated to building affordable housing and upgrading, protecting, and better utilizing the province’s existing housing stock.
Habitat for Humanity Nova Scotia
81 Wright Avenue, Dartmouth | (902) 464-0274 | info@habitatns.ca
A non-profit whose goal is to help low-income Nova Scotians build their own homes by offering a long-term, no-interest, and no down-payment mortgage. Habitat for Humanity also operates The ReStore, a building supply and home renovation store that accepts and resells new and gently-used building materials and home décor items.
Offers a number of housing programs, including public housing for families, small loan assistance, home ownership preservation, family modest housing program, Canada-Nova Scotia targeted housing benefit, disabled residential rehabilitation assistance program for homeowners, access-a-home program, public housing for seniors, provincial housing emergency repair program, and others. To find out more, contact the housing authority in your region. Click here to find the regional office closest to you.
Executive office | 902-420-6578
Offices in Halifax, Dartmouth, Amherst, Annapolis Royal, Kentville, Antigonish, New Glasgow, Bridgewater, Port Hawkesbury, Sydney, Liverpool, Truro, Windsor, and Yarmouth. For contact information for offices, click here.
902-448-4744 | info@redbearhealinghome.ca
Free voice mail service for people experiencing homelessness and poverty or who are at risk of becoming homeless.
Veterans Emergency Transition Services Canada
Toll free: 1-888-228-3871 | vetscanada@gmail.com
Services and supports for veterans who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. Assistance includes finding affordable housing, finding employment, providing referrals to other organizations that can provide support, and emergency financial assistance.
Central Region
Halifax Regional Municipality
2421 Brunswick Street, Halifax | 902-423-4443 | adsum@adsumforwomen.org
Emergency shelter, short- and long-term housing, programs and services for women, families, youth, and gender-diverse persons.
A 10-unit building that provides people with mental illness and disabilities a stable, affordable home. Also offers employment programs for clients.
2107 Brunswick Street, Halifax | 902-423-4605 | mission@brunswickstreetmission.org
Services include a hot breakfast program, clothing centre, food bank, outreach program, tax returns, trusteeship programs, and Christmas programs.
902-423-7183 | staff@bryonyhouse.ca
24-bed shelter for women and children. Counsellors answer the 24-hour distress line, provide individual/group supportive counselling, public education, advocacy, and referrals.
Caitlan’s Place/Coverdale Courtwork Society
6169 Quinpool Road, Suite 221B, Halifax | 902-717-6576
Provides support to women and gender-diverse people who have histories of homelessness, addiction or periods of incarceration, to help find and keep a home.
2209 Gottingen Street Halifax | 902-423-8105
Helps tenants to know their rights. Publishes guides on tenants’ rights, and provides support and a guide for low-income earners in disputes with Nova Scotia Power.
Twitter | HalifaxMutualAid@riseup.net
An anonymous volunteer group in the HRM that builds small shelters.
Holly House/Elizabeth Fry Society of Mainland Nova Scotia
1 Tulip Street, Dartmouth | (902) 454-5041 | ed@efrymns.ca
A 10-bed transitional house for women and gender diverse folks exiting corrections.
Halifax | (902) 429-7968 | theoffice@hopecottage.ca
Soup kitchen that serves one hot meals a day, Monday to Friday, between noon and 1pm.
Margaret House (Feeding Others of Dartmouth F.O.O.D Society)
43 Wentworth St., Dartmouth | (902) 464-2919 | info@margarets-house.ca
Offers meals Monday to Friday between 11:30am and 12:30pm.
Mi’kmaw Native Friendship Centre
2021 Gottingen Street, Halifax | 902-420-1576
Offers housing services to Indigenous people experiencing homelessness, housing insecurity, or eviction in the HRM area.
Halifax | 902-209-6517
Provides people who are homeless and street-involved with supports for housing, employment, and assistance to navigate services for mental health and addictions.
Halifax | 902-455-2900 | tawaak@hfx.eastlink.ca
Provides support and services to Indigenous people living in urban areas and who are experiencing homelessness.
The Halifax ARK Outreach Association
RPO Gladstone, PO Box 31074, Halifax | Call or text: 902-492-2577 | info@arkoutreach.com
Provides support and outreach for youth experiencing homelessness.
Community Support| 6 Primrose Street, Dartmouth | 902-464-8234 | info@thenorthgrove.ca
A community hub offering support and programs for parents, caregivers, and families. Check out their program calendar here. Welcome Housing Appointments are currently taking place from 9am-12pm on Wednesdays.
Out of the Cold Community Association
5580 Cogswell Street, Halifax | 7 Church Street Dartmouth | 902-830-4821
Providing low-barrier, people-centered support rooted in anti-oppressive & harm reduction practice, to folks of all genders experiencing high barriers to housing.
Support for unhoused people| Twitter|
A community network advocating for permanent, accessible, dignified, and safe (PADS) housing for all, a 24/7 warming space, and a moratorium on park evictions.
Phoenix Supportive Housing Program
Housing and support for youth|902-422-5583 | supportivehousing@phoenixyouth.ca
The Phoenix Supportive Housing Program provides housing for youth 16 – 24 years old, through two complimentary, but distinct housing services, Phoenix House and the Phoenix Homes for Independence Program.
Shelter | 1094 Tower Road, Halifax | 902-405-3249 or 1-866-620-0676 | shelter@phoenixyouth.ca
Provides free, safe, emergency accommodations to youth ages 16-24. The Shelter supplies daily essentials (food, clothing, shelter, etc.) around the clock to youth who seek support. Intake 24 hr/day.
Walk-In Centre | 6035 Coburg Road, Halifax | 902-420-0676 or 1-866-620-0676
A walk-in centre that helps youth in their day-to-day lives. The services offered are confidential, non-judgmental and include housing support.
Sackville Area Warming Centre / Beacon House Interfaith Society
Lower Sackville | Call or text 902-789-0764 for housing support services | sawcconnect@gmail.com
Offers a drop-in during the winter months at 125 Metropolitan Avenue, Lower Sackville. Also provides support and services to those experiencing homelessness or those at risk of becoming homeless. Services include help accessing identification, income assistance applications, Metro Regional Housing applications, subsidy applications, apartment searches, and referrals to other services. Serves Beaver Bank, Bedford, Fall River, Mount Uniacke, Sackville, and Wellington.
Halifax | Toll-free 1-855-203-6252 ext 4 | info.ns@sheltermovers.com
Offers free moving services to people leaving situations of domestic violence. Serves clients in Halifax, South Shore, Annapolis Valley.
Housing and shelter support| 250-3770 Kempt Road, Halifax | 902-406-3631 |snshousinghub@shelternovascotia.com
Offers a number of shelters and housing supports, including:
- Two emergency shelters for people experiencing homelessness (Barry House and Metro Turning Point)
- An affordable, supportive apartment complex for people who have experienced homelessness (The Rebuilding)
- An affordable, supportive living environment dedicated to people who have experienced chronic homelessness and who have a long history of alcohol dependency (Herring Cove Apartments)
- Two community residential facilities for individuals making the change from correctional facilities to community living (Nehiley House & Sir Sandford Fleming House)
- And a community support program called The Housing Hub that offers housing support, diversion, community resources, and access to basic services.
Halifax | 902-405-HOME(4663) | hello@shrm.ca
Drop-in locations: Halifax: 5568 Cunard Street | Bridgewater: 136 Pleasant Street | Truro: 130 King Street.
Offers a drop-in centre where hot meals are served. Special meals are planned for holidays. Also operates a shelter for women and children on the Eastern Shore (HRM).
2330 Gottingen Street, Halifax | 902 423 5479 | info@welcomehousing.ca
Operates six affordable housing buildings with a total of 74 units (four in Halifax, two in Dartmouth). Partnered with Adsum for Women and Children to run a Shelter Diversion Program. Offers an outreach throughout the week and can be found at community clinics at many of the Halifax Public Libraries, The North Grove, and Fairview Family Resource Centre. Also operates a trustee office at 270 Wyse Rd. Suite 101, Dartmouth.
358 Herring Cove Road, Spryfield | housing@ywcahalifax.com
Provides safe, secure, supported housing to single women and young mothers who have experienced homelessness.
South Shore
Lunenburg, Shelburne, Queens, and Yarmouth counties
Housing support and outreach | 629 King Street, Bridgewater | intake.hsp@gmail.com
Rural communities founded on community-based public wealth creation, safe and affordable housing, inclusion and thriving.
Bridgewater | Crisis phone line: 1-902-543-3999 or 1-888-543-3999 | Crisis text line 1-902-514-4019 | thw@harbour-house.ca
Provides shelter and counselling support for women and their children who are fleeing intimate partner violence.
Crisis line: 1 (800) 266-4087 or (902) 742-8689 | juniperhouse@juniperhouse.ca
Yarmouth outreach: 902-742-0231 | katie@juniperhouse.ca
Shelburne outreach: 902-749-7170 | federica@juniperhouse.ca
Digby outreach: 902-245-4789 | suzanne@juniperhouse.ca or rhonda@juniperhouse.ca
Shelter for 15 women and their children in Yarmouth. Provides supportive counselling, programs, advocacy, referrals, and outreach services from locations in Yarmouth, Digby, and Shelburne.
Shelburne County Youth Health and Support Association
54 King Street, Shelburne | 902-875-3337 | ed@scyhsa.com
Offers programs and a drop-in centre in Shelburne for youth. Services include referrals, counselling, support groups, workshops, and basic needs such as snacks, laundry, showers, bathrooms, phone, and WiFi.
SHYFT (Supportive Housing Youth Focus Team)
6 Trinity Place, Yarmouth | 902-881-3111 or 1-855-781-3111
Offers temporary housing and outreach for at-risk youth in Digby, Shelburne and Yarmouth counties. Outreach services include meals, hygiene products, clothing, internet access, transportation, counselling, laundry services, and accompaniment to appointments.
Valley Region
Annapolis, Digby, and Kings counties and West Hants
Apartments for Independent Living/ Atlantic Baptist Housing
Windsor | 902.798.0441
Provides affordable housing for seniors (ages 55 and up).
(902) 679-1922 or toll free 1-800-264-8682 | Women’s outreach: bettyk@chrysalishouse.ca
Provides shelter and outreach for women and children. Crisis line open 24 hours.
Family Resource Centre of West Hants
61 Morrison Drive, Windsor | frcowh@gmail.com
Assistance for people and families, from youth to seniors, to find sustainable housing, and support for those already with housing. Also provides assistance with accessing subsidies and benefits, and mediating landlord-tenant issues.
Harvest House Community Outreach Centre Windsor
902-790-4560 | dbeldridge@live.com
Overnight shelter for men, opens nightly at 9pm.
Inn from the Cold / Open Arms Resource Centre Society
32 Cornwallis Street, Kentville | (902) 365-3665 | openarms@openarms.ca
Operates an emergency shelter and programs in Kentville, as well as a drop-in centre and outreach program in Berwick. Serves Annapolis County, Kings County, Windsor, Falmouth, and Hantsport.
Digby outreach: 902-245-4789 | suzanne@juniperhouse.ca or rhonda@juniperhouse.ca
Provides supportive counselling, programs, advocacy, referrals, and outreach services for women and their children experiencing violence. Outreach location in Digby. Emergency shelter located in Yarmouth.
Open Arms Kentville Resource Centre
32 Cornwallis Street, Kentville, NS |openarms@openarms.ca
Support with apartment locating and transitioning to permanent residence.
Portal Youth Outreach Association
#6- 440 Main Street, Kentville | Tel: 902-365-3773 or toll free: 1-855-261-3773 | info@portalyouth.ca
A resource centre for youth ages 16 to 24 in Annapolis Valley who are at risk, with a special focus on those currently experiencing homelessness. Services include housing coordination, crisis management, employment counselling, mentoring, and family and work support.
Project HOPE- Canadian Mental Health Association – Kings County
35 Webster Street, Suite 203, Kentville | laurel.taylor@novascotia.cmha.ca
Provides housing support and trustee services to people living in Kings, Annapolis, and Digby counties.
SHYFT (Supportive Housing Youth Focus Team)
6 Trinity Place, Yarmouth | 902-881-3111 or 1-855-781-3111
Offers temporary housing and outreach for at-risk youth in Digby, Shelburne, and Yarmouth counties. Outreach services include meals, hygiene products, clothing, internet access, transportation, counselling, laundry services, and accompaniment to appointments.
The Refuge Transitional Housing
437 Main Street, Kentville |rikberry50@gmail.com
A transitional housing community for young men and women who are at risk of homelessness, and who have the interest and ability, with support, to make positive change in their lives.
Northern Region
Colchester and Cumberland counties and East Hants
Amherst | 24-hour crisis line: 902-667-1200
Provides shelter for women and children experiencing violence. 24-hour crisis line and counselling also available.
Homelessness Prevention and Outreach Program / YMCA of Cumberland
902-669-1526 | alison.lair@cumberland.ymca.ca
Provides support to adults over the age of 19 and their families who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. Programs include assistance in finding suitable, sustainable, and affordable housing, eviction prevention, and referral to appropriate agencies.
Millbrook Family Healing Centre
Millbrook First Nation| Support Line: 902-893-8483 | brooke.paul@novascotia.ca
Culturally relevant holistic programming available to all First Nation men, women and children who have experienced family violence. Offers 24-hour crisis line and provides safe shelter for women and children. Serves all First Nations on mainland Nova Scotia except Paq’tnkek First Nation.
PO Box 1681, Truro | Support Line: 902-893-3232 | Toll-Free Support Line: 1-800-565-4878
24-hour support services and emergency shelter for women and children leaving situations of violence.
Truro Housing Outreach Society (Hub House)
29 Arthur St., Truro | 902-843 – 2538
Offers 12-hour emergency/transitional housing facility called Haven House. Provides navigation, advocacy, outreach, and peer support programs.
Highlands/Guysborough
Antigonish, Guysborough, and Pictou counties
219 Main Street, Suite 201, Antigonish | (902) 870-9919 | support@aroyh.ca
Advocates working to help people who are homeless or precariously housed in Antigonish and Guysborough counties.
Antigonish Affordable Housing Society
12 S Hope Lane, Sylvan Valley | 902 318-3732 | affordable.antig@gmail.com
Provides community-supported, high quality, affordable, and energy-efficient housing, as well as supports. Operates two housing initiatives.
Guysborough County Housing Network
A network of organizations working together to address the housing needs in Guysborough County. Click here to visit them on Facebook.
133 Church Street, Antigonish| (902) 863-3807 | info@naomisociety.ca
Provides services, support, and emergency overnight shelter to women and their children who are leaving situations of domestic violence. Offers second-stage housing for women and children. Outreach offices located in Sherbrooke, Canso, and Guysborough.
603 East River Road, New Glasgow| The Nest Phone: (902) 695-3241 | Roots House:(902) 695-2775
Helps youth aged 16-24 to end their homelessness. Supports include an eight-bed youth homeless shelter in New Glasgow. There are also daily drop-in sessions from 4:30pm to 8pm open to all youth to get a hot meal, go online, do laundry for free, and find support.
New Glasgow | (902) 752-0132 or 1-888-831-0330 | tearmann@ns.sympatico.ca
Offers shelter to women and their children leaving situations of violence. Outreach services for women, children, and teens. Group counselling available, and counselling in person or via phone calls.
189 Marsh Street, New Glasgow| 902-752-0550
Provides emergency shelter services. Housing coordinator works with clients to find long-term stable housing, and connect with supports and services in the community.
Cape Breton
Cape Breton, Inverness, Richmond, and Victoria counties
150 Bentinck Street, Sydney | 902-565-9187
Offers housing support through its Housing First Program. Services at the centre or through the mobile service Monday to Friday 9am to 4pm. A small food bank is also available Fridays from 10am to noon and 1pm to 3pm for clients only. Serves Cape Breton Regional Municipality, Inverness County, Richmond County, and Victoria County.
Cape Breton Community Housing Association
106 Townsend Street, Sydney | 902-564-9487 |communityhousing@cbcha.ca
Provides programming for clients with mental illness to develop their skills and help them live independently.
Sydney | 902-562-3045 | cbtranshouse@ns.aliantzinc.ca
Provides support and shelter to women and children who are emotionally, physically, or sexually abused. Offers two second stage housing units (Sydney and Glace Bay). Serves CBRM and Victoria County.
106 Townsend Street, Sydney | 902-564-9487 |communityhousing@cbcha.ca
Operated by the Cape Breton Community Housing Association. Open 24/7. Offers emergency shelter, light meals, shower and laundry facilities, in-house support services, counselling, and referral services.
106 Townsend Street, Sydney | 902-564-9487 |communityhousing@cbcha.ca
Provides safe emergency shelter for men and women experiencing homelessness in CBRM. The Community Homeless Shelter is also a stepping stone into further supports offered by Cape Breton Community Housing Association’s Homelessness Programs.
Port Hawkesbury | 902-625-2444 or 1-800-565-3390 |Text Only Cell: 902-623-2145
Provides shelter for women and children leaving situations of violence. Other supports include 24-hour crisis line, outreach, public education programs.
We’koqma’q Family Healing Centre
PO Box 310, Whycocomagh | 902-756-3440 | beverly.walker@novascotia.ca
Provides shelter and holistic programming for all First Nation men, women, and children who have experienced family violence.
Youth Resource Centre/CaperBase
902-539-7233
Resource centre for youth up to age 24. Youth can access services and supports, including individual counselling sessions, group programming, speaker sessions, life skills development, workshops and information sessions, laundry facilities, computer access, emergency clothes and food, shower facilities, and referrals to community resources.
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