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Nova Scotia deal protects low-income co-op households

Published September 06, 2017

CHF Canada is pleased to announce its collaboration with Housing Nova Scotia in delivering a new, temporary rent supplement program to co-ops with expiring operating agreements in Nova Scotia.

The program is set for immediate roll-out. Housing Nova Scotia has contacted eligible co-ops to enroll in the program that will see a preservation of rent-geared-to-income (RGI) support to existing low-income households on a temporary basis, pending the forthcoming National Housing Strategy.

Co-ops whose operating agreement expire between August 1, 2017 and March 31, 2018 will be eligible for the rent supplement program that will support a maximum of 30% of units in the co-op.

Co-ops whose operating agreements ended before August 1, 2017 may also be eligible to receive retroactive payments. To do so, co-ops must demonstrate that they maintained RGI support after the end of their operating agreement. If co-ops are successful, they can receive retroactive payments as far back as January 1, 2017.

In total, 17 of the province’s co-ops can potentially enroll in this program representing nearly a million dollars in direct support to low-income households.

The program is a result of a strong partnership between CHF Canada and Housing Nova Scotia. Over a number of years, both organizations have come to the table to ensure that low-income households can remain in their communities and that co-ops across Nova Scotia continue to build on their robust legacy as providers of community-oriented affordable housing.

Nationally, CHF Canada is continuing the fight for low-income households, both in Nova Scotia and across the country. In the lead-up to the release of the National Housing Strategy later this year, CHF Canada staff have been engaging the federal government to ensure that the Strategy preserves the same number of low-income households, to the same level of support, after the end of their operating agreements.

CHF Canada is ready to support its member co-ops through the implementation of the new program.  If co-ops in Nova Scotia have any questions about the rent supplement program, they are encouraged to contact Program Manager, Co-operative Services Karen Brodeur by email at kbrodeur@chfcanada.coop or by phone at 1-866-213-2667.


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