Ozanam Place: A Beacon of Hope for Halifax’s Homeless Seniors

In a significant step towards tackling homelessness in Halifax, a new deeply affordable housing project called Ozanam Place is set to welcome its first residents this October. This initiative promises to provide 38 studio and one-bedroom apartments specifically for individuals aged 50 and over, selected from a list of those experiencing homelessness within the Halifax Regional Municipality. Designed with a commitment to affordability, rent will be capped at 30% of each tenant’s income, ensuring that housing is both accessible and sustainable.

A Dignified Living Experience

Ray Burke, president of the Halifax Particular Council for the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul— the organization responsible for the building—emphasized the transformative impact of Ozanam Place. He stated, "They will be able to lead a more dignified and a happier lifestyle." This sentiment underscores the project’s vision: to offer a sense of stability and community to individuals who have faced a myriad of challenges in their lives.

The establishment of Ozanam Place not only addresses the immediate housing needs but also works to restore dignity and autonomy among some of the most vulnerable populations in Halifax.

Federal Funding Makes It Possible

The realization of Ozanam Place was made possible through a generous federal investment of $11 million, sourced from the now-expired rapid housing initiative program. Burke pointed out that the project exemplifies the crucial role that federal support plays in such housing endeavors. He notes that "there still is a vast need for this type of financial support, particularly for non-profits that want to get involved," highlighting how essential these initiatives are given the ongoing housing crisis.

The Homelessness Crisis in Halifax

A recent survey has revealed alarming statistics, showing that the number of individuals experiencing homelessness in Halifax has nearly doubled in the past two years. Such trends underscore why projects like Ozanam Place are not merely helpful, but necessary in combating the systemic issues surrounding homelessness.

Limited Deeply Affordable Housing Options

Despite the positive impact of projects like Ozanam Place, they represent only a small fraction of the housing units currently being built in Nova Scotia. A CBC News analysis of data from Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada reveals that while over 2,000 new units have been announced with federal funding between 2018 and 2024, very few are deeply affordable or specifically targeted at individuals in urgent need.

Catherine Leviten-Reid, an associate professor at Cape Breton University and a researcher in affordable housing, noted the shortcomings of existing programs, saying, "Very few units that we have created through the national housing strategy … are actually deeply affordable and targeted to people in greatest need."

A Call for More Inclusive Affordability Standards

Leviten-Reid critiques the current affordability criteria established by various housing initiatives. According to her, the existing calculations often include higher-income homeowners, which dilutes the effectiveness of the affordability requirements meant for lower-income individuals. She advocates for more housing initiatives that take tenants’ incomes directly into account, like those at Ozanam Place, stating that they better serve the population most in need.

Broader Housing Strategies

In response to the growing crisis, the federal government has allocated over $600 million in loans and grants for new housing projects in Nova Scotia from 2018 to 2024. However, much of these funds are going toward traditional apartment construction that does not serve the most vulnerable demographics.

Leaders in the housing sector recognize the importance of diversifying the types of units being created. The Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) highlighted that new supply can help free up existing affordable units, but these efforts need to be carefully designed to truly benefit those in need.

Looking Ahead: Future Initiatives

In light of the pressing need for affordable housing, the federal government is working on establishing Build Canada Homes, a proposed entity aimed at expediting the construction of affordable housing. This initiative is a proactive measure to ensure that the pressing needs of vulnerable populations are met in a timely and effective manner.

Conclusion

As Ozanam Place prepares to welcome its first occupants, it stands as a vital step toward addressing the homelessness crisis in Halifax. The project embodies a commitment to dignity, community, and affordability—a model that can lead the way in redefining how society addresses housing needs. However, as experts warn, it is clear that more action is required to foster an environment where everyone has access to safe and affordable housing. The challenges ahead are significant, but the initiative undertaken by Ozanam Place shines a beacon of hope in the ongoing fight against homelessness.