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%
- 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%
- 15% have experienced hidden homelessness. 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%
- 3% of people who make housing decisions for their household have experience unsheltered homelessness. 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%
- 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%
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.
Nova Scotians now need to be paying 50% of income on housing to qualify for rent supplement
When housing support worker Leigh MacLean noticed a change on Nova Scotia's rent supplement application form, she thought it was a misprint. The threshold to qualify for the program had been hiked from 30 to 50 per cent of a person's pre-tax income being spent on...
Average rent in Halifax increased at ‘fastest pace on record,’ CMHC report shows
Halifax renters had “no relief” in 2022, according to Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation’s latest rental market report. The city’s average rent increased by 8.9 per cent to $1,350, despite the province’s two per cent rent cap for tenants who remain in the same...
welcome housing
Meet the Team
Board of Directors
Suzanne Drapeau, Board Chair
Kim Scaravelli, Board Chair in Training
Maria Rizzetto, Board Vice Chair
Emily Avelar, 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
Leigh MacLean, Team Lead, Housing Support and Community Outreach
Michaela Beazley, Team Lead, Operations
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
Rachel Jollimore, Housing Support Worker
JC Grant, Housing Support Worker
Melissa Gidman, Housing Support Worker
Jenna Hamilton, Tenant Support & Community Outreach
Cody Higgins, Tenant and Housing Admin Support
Jenn Laverty, Trustee Program Admin Support
Latika Kumar, Shelter Diversion Support