Opaskwayak Cree Nation is urgently working to address rising drug addiction in its community by planning Manitoba’s first dedicated rehabilitation facility, but is waiting for crucial federal funding. Currently, the community of over 6,000 lacks a permanent rehab center, forcing residents to travel to other regions for help. A 21-day pilot program run by Opaskwayak […]

Nova Scotia’s Progressive Conservative government has made significant progress in expanding housing with over 1,100 supportive units, surpassing its goals and expecting to reach nearly 1,600 units by 2028. While this growth is a step forward, addressing homelessness requires more than just providing housing. Mental health, addiction issues, and high rates of criminal involvement among

Connective Support Services, the management company for Whitehorse Emergency Shelter, has welcomed the creation of a new advisory committee to help guide the shelter’s operations. The committee, formed by the Yukon Government and First Nation governments, includes six First Nation representatives and three from the Yukon Government, with two co-chairs: Michelle Telep (deputy chief of

Greater Sudbury city council has endorsed a new plan to address homelessness, addiction, and safety challenges in its downtown core. A key initiative is expanding the Energy Court warming centre into a 24-hour social services hub, offering round-the-clock access to washrooms, addiction treatment, and other services. The centre, managed by the Go-Give Project, will continue

The Collaborative Housing Alliance Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT), created by the Business Council of Manitoba, has received a $7-million private-sector investment to support affordable housing projects. This includes $5 million from Winnipeg Jets owner True North Sports & Entertainment and $2 million from the Mahon Family Foundation. The trust, which aims to close funding

An Indigenous-led clinic in Manitoba’s Island Lake region, the Manitoba Anisininew Mobile Addiction Network, is addressing the dire need for substance addiction services in remote First Nations communities. Opened in April, the clinic has already enrolled 15 patients for opioid dependency treatment, but the waitlist is growing, with over 60 people seeking help. Located in

A former Catholic education campus on Heron Road in Ottawa will be redeveloped into affordable housing as part of a new federal initiative, Build Canada Homes, aimed at accelerating housing construction. The 7.3-hectare campus, vacant since 2014, was acquired by the Canada Lands Company (CLC) in 2020, with plans for hundreds of housing units. Build

A 20-year-old woman from St. Marys, Ontario, Paige Noel, has gained a new sense of independence and stability, thanks to a charity’s initiative to provide tiny homes for people at risk of homelessness. Paige’s 490-square-foot home, built in her mother’s yard, marks a significant step in her life as she struggles to afford rent despite

The City of Medicine Hat is facing a crisis as winter approaches, with its vulnerable homeless population lacking access to daytime services. The Mustard Seed, a nonprofit, had operated a community hub offering meals, clothing, career support, and a safe indoor space, but the city shut down the facility earlier this year following resident complaints.

Misty Schofield, a community social worker in Saint John and Red River Métis woman, advocates for more culturally appropriate housing and support systems designed by and for Indigenous people. While Saint John has 18 agencies addressing homelessness, Schofield believes there aren’t enough resources tailored to Indigenous needs. Approximately 20% of the homeless population in the