Housing support on the way for Nova Scotians fleeing gender-based violence

More financial support for housing is coming for people in Nova Scotia who are escaping gender-based violence.

According to a media release, the federal government will invest $11.3 million over a four-year period, an investment that will be matched by the province.

Financial assistance for housing will help eligible individuals and families for up to two years. About 400 families will benefit over the four-year period, the release says.

"We hope this benefit will help survivors find a place to call home where they can build their lives in safety," Jill Balser, the provincial minister responsible for the Advisory Council on the Status of Women, said in the release.

The release states that the support will offer a flat rate based on the size of the family and the number of bedrooms needed.

The housing rates that will be offered are:

• $900 per month for one-bedroom housing.
• $1,100 per month for two bedrooms. 
• $1,400 per month for three or more bedrooms. 

Individuals will require a referral from "a recognized transition house or other agency," the release states. Applications are available at a number of transition houses, including Alice House, Nisa Homes, the Mi'kmaw Native Friendship Centre, Adsum House and the Avalon Sexual Assault Centre.

Amounts to be reassessed

Eligibility and the amount of assistance given will be reassessed in the second year of the benefit and will be based on the average market rates and household income. 

The government release says Nova Scotia is the third province to establish a program under the Canada Housing Benefit designated to help victims of gender-based violence. 

"The lack of affordable and safe housing options remains a major barrier preventing women from escaping abusive relationships," Ann de Ste Croix, provincial co-ordinator at Transition House Association of Nova Scotia, said in the release. 

"In Nova Scotia, where women report higher rates of intimate partner violence than in other provinces, this new benefit is a crucial first step towards providing victims and survivors with the resources they need to find safe and stable housing during one of the most challenging times in their lives."