A New Hope: Ozanam Place and the Affordable Housing Shift in Halifax

In a significant step towards addressing the housing crisis in Halifax, Ozanam Place is poised to welcome 38 individuals experiencing homelessness this coming October. This deeply affordable housing project, dedicated to residents aged 50 and over, aims to provide dignity and stability to some of the city’s most vulnerable populations.

A Home for the Unhoused

Located in Halifax, Ozanam Place will offer studio and one-bedroom apartments, all with rent scaling to 30% of an individual’s income. This approach signifies a crucial shift towards making housing more accessible for those who truly need it. As Ray Burke, president of the Halifax Particular Council for the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul—owners of the property—notes, this initiative enables residents to "lead a more dignified and happier lifestyle."

Burke acknowledges that the successful launch of this project was largely due to $11 million in federal funding from the now-lapsed rapid housing initiative program. This kind of financial support is essential for non-profits seeking to implement similar projects, as the need remains exceedingly high. "The housing crisis is quite significant," Burke emphasizes.

Rising Demand for Affordable Housing

A recent survey reveals that the number of people experiencing homelessness in Halifax has doubled in the past two years. The tents pitched in public spaces, such as a baseball field in Lower Sackville, reflect this pressing issue. The need for stable and affordable housing in the region is urgent, which is further underscored by the continuous rise in homelessness.

Nevertheless, projects like Ozanam Place represent only a small fraction of the new units being developed. Despite government funding through initiatives such as the national housing strategy, many newly created units fall short in meeting the diverse needs of the homeless.

Funding Complexities: A Double-Edged Sword

Catherine Leviten-Reid, an affordable housing researcher and an associate professor at Cape Breton University, points out that while over $600 million has been allocated for housing projects in Nova Scotia from 2018 to 2024, very few of these initiatives are intended for deep affordability. Many of the developments funded, such as those from the Apartment Construction Loan Program (ACLP), primarily create market-rate units that do not cater to low-income individuals.

Leviten-Reid highlights a foundational flaw in the system: “Very few units created through the national housing strategy are actually deeply affordable and targeted to people in greatest need.” This concern is echoed by many community advocates who argue that current definitions of "affordability" often integrate incomes from higher-income family demographics, thereby diluting the impact these programs could have on lower-income populations.

A Call for Change

The demand for support is clear, and the potential for meaningful change is in the hands of government decision-makers. The Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) has indicated that new housing supply allows higher-income households to access newer units, thereby freeing up older, more affordable units for lower-income households. However, this approach alone is insufficient to meet the real needs of the homeless population.

Leviten-Reid advocates for a more direct approach to address affordability concerns. She envisions a future where units like those at Ozanam Place serve as a model for future developments, focusing on income-based rent that genuinely reflects the financial capabilities of tenants.

Future Initiatives

In response to the growing housing crisis, the federal government has announced plans to establish Build Canada Homes, aiming to streamline the construction of affordable housing across the nation. This initiative, along with current efforts, brings a glimmer of hope to those in need of housing solutions.

As officials acknowledge the urgent need for deeply affordable housing—including options for non-market and cooperative housing—the success of Ozanam Place could very well serve as a catalyst for similar projects throughout Halifax and beyond.

Conclusion

Ozanam Place stands as a testament to the power of collaboration and community support in addressing the homelessness crisis. While it represents just a small step in a long journey, it is crucial in sowing the seeds for future initiatives focused on creating real, sustainable change for Halifax’s unhoused population. As more projects emerge, it is vital to ensure they prioritize genuine affordability, ensuring that everyone has access to a place they can truly call home.