Regional Affordable Housing

Across the Maritimes, a lack of affordable housing and an increase in homelessness has become a major issue impacting the lives of all residents. Traditionally, United Ways have funded programs delivered by others to help people find or maintain affordable housing. In the last few years, the problem has escalated, and it’s been clear that funding is only one part of the solution.

With the amalgamation of our seven United Ways into one, we saw a great opportunity to draw on the deep housing-related experience of our staff and volunteers from across the Maritimes. We established an Affordable Housing Division – and it is already making impacts in communities, with many more to come.

Ongoing Projects

Over the last year, three major housing projects have been underway under the Affordable Housing Division, each aimed at supporting a different community with different needs. In each project, United Way Maritimes has a slightly different role.

Sackville Tiny Homes

The Sackville Tiny Home community opened in Halifax in late 2024 and provides supportive housing to more than 60 residents exiting homelessness. The tiny homes are a safe landing place where each unit has everything a resident might need – a bed, dishes, storage, cooking appliances, and a full bathroom with a sink, toilet and shower. Residents are encouraged to make the space their own with photos, artwork and decorations. They’re able to take up hobbies, decorate for the holidays, or cook for themselves and others. These are some of the small joys many of us take for granted but are next to impossible when you’re experiencing homelessness.

In addition to the individual units, there is a staffed, shared building with a living room, full kitchen, programming space and laundry facilities. Rent is deeply affordable, with residents paying 30% of their income. United Way Maritimes is the owner and operator of the tiny home community, and wrap-around supports are provided by our partner organization, Atlantic Community Shelter Society (ACSS). This project was made possible thanks to the Province of Nova Scotia, with partners The Shaw Group, HRM and Dexter Construction.

Sunnyside Community

Last fall, we were pleased to announce the development of the Sunnyside Community in Saint John. With the support of local entrepreneurs David Alston and Steven Belyea, and inspired by 12 Neighbours in nearby Fredericton, United Way Maritimes came on board to lead this development. Much like the Sackville Tiny Homes, the Sunnyside Community will be owned and operated by United Way Maritimes, with wrap-around supports offered by a local provider.

Generous donors were instrumental in helping to purchase a piece of land for the community, off Westmorland Road.  The remaining land needed to make the community a reality was made available with the support of Saint John Energy. The homes will be modular and delivered on-site, providing individual accommodation to people exiting homelessness. Ten per-cent of the units will be accessible, and there will be a shared building for residents and staff to use. Rent in the Sunnyside Community will be geared to income, making the rentals deeply affordable.

We’re very excited about this project and are using many of our learnings from the Sackville Tiny Homes along the way.

The Groves at Hillsdale

The Groves at Hillsdale was quietly announced earlier this year, although construction and planning has been underway for some time. Thanks to the generosity of the River Philip Foundation, a partnership with The Shaw Group and support from the Town of Amherst, this project is bringing affordable homeownership and rentals to Amherst.

With 47 one- and two-bedroom units available when the project is completed later in 2025, the majority will be available to purchase through Shared Equity Homeownership. In this scenario, middle-income households will be eligible to purchase a home below market value, with United Way Maritimes taking a second position mortgage. This keeps costs lower for the homebuyer, and will allow them to build equity, save money and potentially sell and buy a home in the regular market.

The remaining units will be available for rent at affordable rates for household incomes from $25,800-$45,000 per year. These units, both rented and owned, are designed to help fill the “missing middle” of the housing continuum, where affordable rentals and homeownership opportunities are limited.

Other Initiatives

In addition to the three housing projects, staff members of the affordable housing team also use their expertise to consult with other communities on potential housing projects, advise government through committee work on affordable housing, and take advantage of media and speaking opportunities to share their knowledge. In addition, they are continuing to host the annual Housing Symposium with partners, and are leading a volunteer Advisory Committee for the Halifax Affordable Community Land Trust.