Affirmative House


affirmative house

Mental illness often strikes young people before they finish their education, resulting in lifelong dependence and poverty, which in turns leads to inadequate housing or homelessness. Homelessness exacerbates the illness, and inhibits treatment.  Mental health consumers often have difficulty accessing affordable housing.

Affirmative Industries saw a need to develop a model which not only provides a modern housing environment, but one which speaks to the vision and mission of the organization.  The Building for Independence project provides mental health consumers a stable, affordable home of their own, allowing them to participate as productive members of society. It also gives them an opportunity to build equity and to gain independence through a co-operative housing model.

Mental health consumers who are at work, or acquiring an education, may be tenants of Affirmative House, a 10 unit apartment building owned by Affirmative Industries. This model enables them to pursue their goals while they earn equity in their apartment. When they leave, the equity is available to help buy a home or return to school.

Today, Affirmative House is home to 10 tenants who are recovering from mental illness. This housing project also incorporates an innovative Tenant Savings Plan supported by the tenants and Affirmative Industries in partnership with the Nova Scotia Department of Community Services.

Affirmative Industries looks forward to working with the Nova Scotia Co-operative Council, Province of Nova Scotia and others in the expansion of this important housing model.

Affirmative House Facts

  • Goal is to build community and help mental health consumers achieve economic independence
  • Uses ‘equity’ as poverty alleviation technique
  • Land for the Building for Independence project was donated by Halifax Regional Municipality
  • 90% of funding was provided by the Affordable Housing Program (joint NS Community Services / CMHC program) and former SCPI program (Service Canada).  10% of project funding was raised through a capital campaign, with strong participation from construction trades and the private sector
  • The participatory planning model involved mental health consumers and the local community
  • Open in September 2007, Affirmative House is a 10 unit building located at 66 Lakecrest Dr. in Dartmouth. It is owned by Affirmative Industries.
  • Tenant selection is integrated with supportive employment. All tenants are currently employed in supportive or competitive employment.
  • A tenant’s association meets regularly and is actively involved with professional property management in building procedures
  • Has self-sustaining operations
  • Affirmative House was the recipient of the 2008 Canadian Institute of Planners Award of Excellence for Housing

 

Tenant Savings Plan

  • Voluntary contribution by tenants ($10/month)
  • % match by NS. Department of Community Services
  • Operating surplus committed by Affirmative Industries
  • Savings goals (tuition, down-payment, RRSP)
  • 5 years (tenure) - $5000 to $6000
  • Monthly tenant meetings / community support
  • 70% self-sustaining tenant savings plan