about us

Welcome Housing
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Since 2019

Helping Those in Need

Our History

Welcome Housing was founded by Carol Charlebois, the first Executive Director at Metro Non-Profit Housing Association. Welcome Housing has since grown with the work of current Executive Director Laura MacKay and the Board of Directors.

Actively Homeless

Men

Women

Information provided by AHANS – Affordable Housing Association of Nova Scotia,  AHANS | HRM Homelessness Statistics

what drives us

Our Mission

Welcome Housing’s mission is to provide support to those experiencing housing insecurity and individuals facing houselessness. We believe in a holistic approach to housing, improved life outcomes, and community partnerships. Everyone has the right to a safe and secure home, regardless of their circumstances.

about us

Why We Exist

  • The number of people leaving for other provinces (13,561) increased by 33% compared to the previous year. A majority of outmigrants (53%) left for more affordable provinces. There were twice as many in-migrants as there were out-migrants. 33% 33%
  • There were 22% more adults aged 25 to 44 living with their parents between the 2016 and 2021 Census. The population of this age cohort increased by 16% within the same period. 22% 22%
  • 15% have experienced hidden homelessness. 15% 15%
  • The national turnover rate fell from 15.5% in 2021 to 13.6% in 2022 (Canada table 1.0). A lower turnover rate indicates a reduced willingness of households to vacate a rental unit. This contributes to lower overall vacancy rates and tighter rental markets. 13.6% 13.6%
  • 3% of people who make housing decisions for their household have experience unsheltered homelessness. 3% 3%
  • The average apartment vacancy rate in Halifax did not change in 2022, staying at the record low of 1%. The change in vacancy rate varied across the city but wasn’t statistically significant in all neighbourhoods. 1% 1%
  • Overall, same-sample average rent increased by 8.9%, despite Nova Scotia legislating a temporary 2% rent cap for existing leases in November 2020. Within the same structure, a two bedroom unit occupied by a new tenant was on average 28% more expensive than one that did not turn over (Canada table 6.1). This rent disparity might be from renovated turnover units or property owners adjusting rents to market value because of higher operating costs. 28% 28%

These numbers may look small,

but they make a huge difference. Welcome Housing provides critical support to individuals and families experiencing homelessness or domestic violence by offering safe and affordable housing options. These programs not only provide shelter, but also offer resources and services that empower individuals to regain their independence and improve their overall well-being. By providing a stable foundation, Welcome Housing helps those in need to rebuild their lives and work towards a brighter future.

Visit Statistics Canada to find out more about Homelessness in Canada, and see other resources on how you can help.

 

Renoviction Win!

This article outlines a win for Dal Legal Aid and Welcome Housing against Blackbay Management. Blackbay inteded to renovict their tenants, instead they are able to remain housed.

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Keys to a housing secure future for all Nova Scotians

This report examines the question what would it take to ensure that everyone has meaningful access to safe, permanently affordable, secure, supported and adequate housing in Nova Scotia? The findings prioritize public, non-market affordable housing, funded by general...

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welcome housing

Meet the Team

Board of Directors

Chris LeBlanc, Board Treasurer

Fola Adeleke, Board Secretary

Sarah Kirby, Member at Large

Enkelejda Little, Member at Large

Management Team

Laura MacKay, Executive Director

Bailee Lawton, Team Lead, Shelter Diversion Support Program

Kay Spurr, Team Lead, Intimate Parter Violence Case Management

Michaela Beazley, Team Lead, Operations

Kay Spurr, Housing Manager

Emily Avelar, Finance Manager 

JC Grant, Team Lead Housing @ The Bridge Shelter

Staff Team

Aron Nyman, Intensive Case Manager, Complex Cases
Graeme Higgins, Intensive Case Manager, Male-led Families
Caleigh Penney, Intimate Partner Violence Housing Support Worker
Melissa Gidman, Housing Support Worker
Jenna Hamilton, Tenant Support & Community Outreach
Cody Higgins, Tenant Support
Jenn Laverty, Trustee Services
Aron Nyman, Housing Support Worker @ Bridge Shelter
Kurt Steeves, Housing Support Worker @ Bridge Shelter
Olivia Polk, Diversion and Outreach
Masuma Khan, Diversion and Outreach
Emma Paulson, Housing Support Worker
Sebastian Gaskarth, Housing Support Worker
Michele Myra, Trustee Services
Tonya Porter, Housing Administrative Support

Join Our Board of Directors

Email laura@welcomehousing.ca to find out more information on how you can join Welcome Housing team today.