We understand that life can throw you curve balls, and you can find yourself needing a little extra help.  We have compiled a list of resources that might help someone get through a rough patch- from grants to help lines to organizations.  

General Support Services:

Nova Scotia 211:  You can call, text email or chat with a Community Navigator who can help you get programs, rebates or services that might help.

Chrysalis House 1-800-264-8682: They provide shelter and outreach services for women and children.

Open Arms 902-365-3665: They offer spiritual programs, rural food delivery, apartment locating, a furniture bank and a breakfast program.

VANSDA (Valley African Nova Scotian Development Association) 902-678-7410:  Employment services and many programs for African Nova Scotian programs.

Mental Health Crisis:

NS Mental Health Crisis Line 1-855-922-1122:  The crisis line is available 24 hours a day to support people in mental distress, but it also supports families, friends, community agencies and others to manage mental health crisis through education, outreach and consultation.

Hope for Wellness helpline 1-855-242-3310: Immediate mental health counseling and crisis intervention to all Indigenous people across Canada.

Youth Services:

Portal Youth 1-855-261-3773:  Services and programs for youth experiencing homelessness.

Kids Help Phone 1-800-668-6868:  Call or chat anytime with a professional for mental health support.

The Trevor Project 1-866-488-7386 or text START to 678-678:  You can reach out to a counselor by phone or text if you’re struggling, find answers and information, and get the tools you need to help someone else.

The Red Door 902-679-1411 : Confidential sexual health services, health education and health promotion- helping young people who do not have a family doctor.

Home Support Programs:

Home Warming Program:  HomeWarming offers home energy assessments and upgrades for income-qualified homeowners, at no cost.  Call toll free at 1-877-434-2136.

Heating Assistance Rebate Program:  The Heating Assistance Rebate Program helps low-income Nova Scotians with the cost of home heating. Rebates range from $100 to $200. You can apply until 31 March 2022.  Apply online!

Heat Fund:  The HEAT Fund offers a maximum assistance in the amount of $400 for individuals and families.  Apply online!

Seniors Care Grant: An annual reimbursement program of up to $500 to help cover the costs of household services. It can be used to reimburse costs for such things as snow removal, home repairs, lawn care, grocery delivery, and more. It is available to homeowners and renters.

Parent Apartment Program:  This program creates affordable housing options for senior family members by providing low interest loans for additions or renovations to existing single family homes.  Contact Housing Nova Scotia, at 1-844-424-5110

To be eligible for this program:

• You must own and live in the home you want to renovate
• You must have a good credit rating
• The senior must be 50 years of age or older
• Your total household income is below the established income limit, which varies depending on household size and the area you live in
• The additions/renovation must include a bedroom (minimum of 120 sq. ft) and closet space. Washroom and kitchen spaces are optional, but if they are not included, they must be easily accessible

Small Loans Assistance Program: This is a provincially funded program to improve housing conditions by providing low interest loans to qualified applicants.  The maximum loan amount is $20,000.  Contact Housing Nova Scotia, at 1-844-424-5110

To be eligible for this program:

• Your total household income is below the established income limit, which varies depending on household size and the area you live in
• You must own and live in the home you want to renovate
• You must have a good credit rating

Family Modest Housing Program:  This program provides funds for lower and middle income families to help build or buy modest housing.  A mortgage of up to $70,000 is available.  Contact Housing Nova Scotia, at 1-844-424-5110.  To be eligible for this program:

• Your total household income is below the established income limit, which varies depending on household size and the area you live in
• You do not currently own adequate housing, with the exception of mobile homes
• You must have a good credit rating and the ability to repay the mortgage
• You must have worked at least one year with the same employer

Home Ownership Preservation:  This program provides assistance to homeowners to make major repairs or renovations to their homes to meet the minimum level of health and safety standards.  Contact Housing Nova Scotia, at 1-844-424-5110. 

Provincial Housing Emergency Repair Program:  This program is equally funded by the federal and provincial governments and offers financial assistance for homeowners to make emergency repairs to their homes.  The maximum amount of funding available is a $6,500 grant to help cover the cost of labour and materials.  Contact Housing Nova Scotia, at 1-844-424-5110. 

Emergency Repair Program:  This program provides funding for homeowners and residents in rural areas in need of emergency repairs to continue to safely live in their homes. A significant portion of the program funding is for Canadian Indigenous people.  Contact Housing Nova Scotia, at 1-844-424-5110. 

Disabled Residential Rehabilitation Assistance Program for Homeowners:  This program is equally funded by the federal and provincial governments and offers financial assistance for homeowners to make their homes more accessible for persons with disabilities.  Contact Housing Nova Scotia, at 1-844-424-5110. 

Homeowner Residential Rehabilitation Assistance Programs:  This program is equally funded by the federal and provincial governments and provides financial assistance to people who own and occupy homes that do not meet minimum levels of health and safety.  The maximum amount of funding available is $18,000 and can be forgiven over a maximum of five years.  Contact Housing Nova Scotia, at 1-844-424-5110.