26 July 2023
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NSNPHA calls on government to prioritize non-profit housing providers in affordable housing programs
Nova Scotia Non-profit Housing Association (NSNPHA) applauds both the Nova Scotia provincial budget regarding housing as well as the new Federal Housing Plan and recent budget, urging continued collaboration of all levels of government with Community/Non-Profit Housing Sector to adequately address chronic housing challenges and the current homelessness crisis.
On February 29, 2024 in the Nova Scotia Budget address, Premier Tim Houston, and Minister of Finance and Treasury Board Allan MacMaster released Building Nova Scotia Faster Budget 2024-25.
On April 12, 2024 Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Chrystia Freeland, and Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Sean Fraser released Solving the Housing Crisis – Canada’s Housing Plan, just ahead of the Federal Budget address.
In both federal and provincial budgets / housing plans there are more investments in housing than we’ve seen in decades. This is certainly worth applauding.
Most of the solutions offered by both federal and provincial levels of government address the more recent challenges to new home buyers and to the rental market. While this may ease the pressure on access to the lowest rent units, it’s unlikely to push existing rental prices down. The fact remains that rising rent is beneficial to for profit developers and landlords.
Housing is a human right. The treatment of housing as a commodity without restriction over recent years/decades has resulted in a shortage of market housing for those who are in low to middle income households.
NSNPHA especially applauds investments that will facilitate an increase in access to non-market affordable housing for low income households. Investments that make it easier for non-profit housing providers to develop and operate community housing. What has been announced is a step forward:
- increasing the investment in Nova Scotia’s Community Housing Growth fund by $2 million for a total of $2.5 million;
- allocating an additional $1 billion (primarily comprised of grants) to Canada’s Affordable Housing Fund’s (AHF) rapid housing stream;
- introducing a $1.5 billion Canada Rental Protection Fund to help community housing providers secure affordable rental units that are at risk of being sold to investors, ensuring long-term affordability.
Because for profit developers generally have capital assets that can be leveraged, they are typically more nimble when it comes to responding to property sales, and treated differently at lending institutions, causing a distinct disadvantage faced by non-profit housing providers when competing with for-profit private developers.
Additional programs recently announced that could benefit the efforts of non-profit housing providers would be most effective IF governments would take it a step further and prioritize non-profit community housing providers. These recent initiatives include:
- programs to address the need for more skilled tradespeople in the province
- rebate federal and provincial HST on the new construction of purpose-built, multi-unit apartments
- federal and provincial public Lands for Housing plans – the government is unlocking underused public land for housing, accelerating availability, and federally, creating a mapping tool to track potential federal land sites;
- creating a federal Public Lands Acquisition Fund to purchase land from other orders of government:
- expanding the Federal Lands Initiative;
- and whenever possible, transferring land from the federal government to the Canada Lands Company for $1 to support more affordable housing development;
- Canada Builds program to amplify the impact of federal funding by partnering with provinces and territories with ambitious housing plans
We hope that all levels of government learn from the mistakes of the past and realize that there will always be a place for government investment in non-market housing.
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Embracing Non-Profit Community Housing for Sustainable Affordable Housing Solutions
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Pubnico, Nova Scotia – 8 March 2024 – In response to the recent news regarding the termination of the partnership between Clayton Developments and the Province of Nova Scotia for affordable housing development, Nova Scotia Non-Profit Housing Association (NSNPHA) advocates for an increased focus on non-profit community housing as the most effective solution for ensuring perpetually affordable housing options.
The end of this partnership highlights the challenges and limitations associated with for-profit housing development models. Clayton Developments cited financial constraints and other difficulties as reasons for ending the collaboration with the province. This emphasizes the need for approaches that prioritize the long-term affordability and sustainability of housing solutions.
Non-profit community housing has proven its success in various communities across the province, country, and around the world. Nova Scotia Non-Profit Housing Association believes that embracing and investing in non-profit community housing initiatives will bring enduring benefits for both residents and communities as a whole.
Here are a few reasons why non-profit community housing is the best solution:
- Perpetual Affordability: Non-profit community housing organizations are committed to keeping housing affordable over the long term, making it possible for individuals and families to thrive without fear of rising housing costs.
- Community-Centered Approach: Non-profit housing models prioritize community engagement and input, fostering a sense of belonging and shared responsibility among residents. This approach contributes to vibrant and resilient communities.
- Inclusive and Diverse Housing Options: Non-profit community housing addresses the diverse needs of communities, offering a range of housing options that accommodate different income levels, family sizes, and lifestyles.
- Stability and Longevity: By avoiding market-driven fluctuations and making the well-being of residents a priority over profit margins, non-profit community housing organizations contribute to the stability and longevity of affordable housing initiatives.
Moreover, NSNPHA draws attention to the recommendations of the Canadian Housing and Renewal Association (CHRA) in their report, “The Impact of Community Housing on Productivity” [https://chra-achru.ca/economic-necessity/] The study found a causal relationship between the proportion of community housing within the overall housing stock and economic productivity.
We know that when folks have their basic needs met, which start with food and safe shelter, they are better able to contribute to the economy by participating in the workforce. Requirements for additional supportive services are decreased. With access to safe and affordable housing residents shift the focus toward other needs and ensure a secure future for households.
As Nova Scotia Non-Profit Housing Association advocates for the promotion and adoption of non-profit community housing models, we call upon government bodies, private sector stakeholders, and the general public to join hands in supporting sustainable, affordable housing solutions that prioritize the well-being of all citizens. Let’s get it right out of the gate and not leave millions of dollars of funding on the table, delaying development of urgently needed affordable housing.
For further information or inquiries, please contact:
Trish McCourt,
Executive Director, NSNPHA
902-903-5983
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Program & Membership Coordinator
Fọlákẹ́ is an accomplished professional dedicated to driving positive social impact, with a rich background in the non-profit sector. She brings a unique blend of expertise in project management and a passion for community development to the NSNPHA.
Throughout her career in the non-profit sector, Fọlákẹ́ has played pivotal roles in implementing and managing impactful projects. As a Certified Associate of Project Management (CAPM), Fọlákẹ́ is a knowledgeable and skilled project manager. While managing projects she uses her agility and adaptability in leading teams through iterative and collaborative frameworks. She is also a Certified Scrum Master. Fọlákẹ́ has successfully overseen initiatives aimed at improving the lives of diverse communities, showcasing her ability to align strategy with social justice goals. Fọlákẹ́ enjoys travelling, playing volleyball, and working in roles that connect people to opportunities. She is excited to apply her skills to support the non-profit housing sector!
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Meet our Executive Director, Trish McCourt!
The Board of Directors are delighted to introduce Trish McCourt as the inaugural Executive Director of the NSNPHA. With a decade of experience providing leadership in the non-profit sector, Trish has dedicated her career to community development and social justice advocacy. Trish is a registered social worker who has traveled Canada from coast to coast to coast, living in six provinces and territories, but has always considered Nova Scotia home. In addition to her social work degree from Dalhousie University School of Social Work, she has been awarded a degree from Saint Mary’s University and certificate from the Nova Scotia Community College. Over the past four years, Trish has led as an executive director at a non-profit women’s center in Southwest Nova Scotia, where her collaborative approach addressed a myriad of women’s issues, including housing challenges. Trish believes housing is a human right. She is dedicated to ensuring rural and urban perspectives and the voices of all communities are included in housing solutions. Trish’s background in the non-profit sector and her unwavering commitment to fostering inclusive communities align perfectly with our organization’s mission. As we embark on this exciting journey to support the non-profit housing sector, Trish’s visionary leadership will undoubtedly chart a course for success. We are thrilled to have her at the helm of our new association and eagerly anticipate the positive impact she will bring to our mission.
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Brand New!
A new agency means a new branding. In 2023 the NSNPHA with funding from The Centre worked with R&G Strategy to develop our brand. With the goal of showcasing vibrancy and the diversity of Nova Scotia, we selected a palette of bright colours and fonts that are accessible and reflect community. We believe housing is a human right and therefore community and peoples’ needs should be mirrored in their housing, not the other way around. Our logo seeks to send this message by centring people and reflecting a diversity of urban and rural housing models
