Nova Scotia Reports Sharp Drop in Families Staying in Provincially Funded Hotels
The number of families staying in provincially funded hotel rooms in Nova Scotia has fallen from 81 in August 2025 to 19, a decrease of more than 76 per cent. The provincial government attributes the reduction to expanded housing supports, including supportive housing and the Master Lease Program.
Nineteen families are currently staying in provincially funded hotel rooms in Nova Scotia, according to the Government of Nova Scotia. This represents a drop of more than 76 per cent from August 2025, when 81 families were housed in hotels.
Susan Corkum-Greek, Minister of Opportunities and Social Development, is overseeing the province's efforts to move families out of emergency accommodations and into stable housing. The reduction in hotel stays is attributed to expanded housing supports, including supportive housing initiatives and the Master Lease Program.
One such initiative is The Rose, a housing partnership with Adsum for Women & Children that provides 24 apartments for families experiencing homelessness in downtown Halifax. Beyond shelter, The Rose offers community resources such as financial literacy and parenting support.
There are currently 1,229 supportive housing units across Nova Scotia. The province has set a goal of increasing that number to 1,586 units by March 2028.
The Master Lease Program, created in 2024, now includes 86 units for families delivered through four service providers. Additionally, diversion funding has supported 299 families so far this year by helping cover rental arrears and utility bills.
To fund these initiatives, Budget 2026-27 included $165 million for supportive housing and homelessness. This allocation represents an increase of $35 million, or 27 per cent, over previous spending.