Latest news with #supportiveservices
CBC
4 days ago
- Business
- CBC
N.S. splits from non-profit operator of supportive housing sites in Halifax
The Nova Scotia government has suddenly severed ties with a non-profit group that was operating two modular housing sites in the Halifax area. The Department of Opportunities and Social Development confirmed to CBC News that it ended its contract with Out of the Cold on Tuesday, citing "serious and persistent concerns related to safety, infrastructure, and the quality of services and supports available to residents." The department did not explain the concerns in detail, except to say they spent "several years" trying to work with Out of the Cold to address them before arriving at the decision to part ways. "Ending the contract was not a decision made lightly — it reflects our responsibility to act in the best interests of the people we serve and to ensure accountability for the taxpayers' investment," the department said. Out of the Cold has run two modular, supportive housing sites since they opened in 2022 in response to surging rates of homelessness, rising rents and a low vacancy rate. The Halifax site, next to the Centennial pool on Cogswell Street, has capacity for 38 people, and the Dartmouth site, on Church Street near Alderney Landing, has capacity for 26. Halifax Regional Municipality owns the land, paid for construction of the units and continues to cover in-kind services such as utilities and building maintenance. The province is responsible for supporting residents, including providing meals and mental health and addiction support. New operator, new model The province has replaced Out of the Cold with the Atlantic Community Shelter Society, which runs some of the other supportive housing sites that have been built in recent years, including the Pallet shelters. "ACSS has a strong track record for service delivery in Nova Scotia and brings a compassionate, sustainable approach that aligns with our commitment to the well-being and long-term success of Nova Scotians experiencing homelessness," the province said in a statement. The change in service providers is coupled with a change in how the two sites will function. Suzanne Ley, the executive director of employment support and income assistance with the Department of Opportunities and Social Development, sent an email to some local housing support organizations Tuesday notifying them of the change. A copy of that email was shared with CBC News. Ley said the two sites are transitioning to a "temporary supportive housing model." "This model provides short-term, low-barrier, and flexible accommodations that help residents take meaningful steps toward stable, permanent housing," Ley said. According to Out of the Cold's website, the sites have, until now, been operating as "permanent housing." The department did not respond before publication to a request for more information about how long residents can stay under the new model. In her email, Ley said the province has given funding to Out of the Cold "to ensure appropriate compensation for all staff." She said Out of the Cold staff will be able to apply for positions with the new operator.
Associated Press
03-07-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Richard T. Miller Joins HELP USA's Board of Directors
NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jul 3, 2025-- HELP USA, the national homeless services provider and developer of affordable and supportive housing, announced the election of Richard T. Miller to its Board of Directors. A seasoned executive with deep expertise in healthcare finance and strategy, Miller joins the Board at a pivotal moment, as HELP USA marks 40 years of impact and innovation and continues its expansion to meet rising demand for homelessness services. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: Strategic healthcare leader brings decades of finance and operational expertise to HELP USA as it marks 40 years of impact and expands its NYC homeless shelter capacity by 20%. 'Rich understands that operational excellence and strong financial infrastructure go hand in hand,' said Dan Lehman, President & CEO of HELP USA. 'His ability to think at the systems level will help us continue to evolve, grow, and deliver real solutions to the homelessness and housing crises.' Miller served as Executive Vice President and Chief Business Strategy Officer at Northwell Health, the largest integrated health system in New York State, and as Chief Financial Officer for NYU Hospitals Center, until launching his own advisory firm. He is now the CEO and Principal of RTM Advisors, LLC, where he advises healthcare organizations on strategic planning and operational performance. 'I've spent my career working to improve systems that care for people in vulnerable moments,' said Richard Miller. 'Joining HELP USA's Board is an opportunity to support a mission that recognizes housing as a fundamental part of health and long-term stability.' Miller's appointment comes at a pivotal moment for HELP USA. As the organization marks four decades of service, it is scaling its operations to meet urgent and growing need—opening six new transitional housing shelters in New York City over the next 18 months, a move that will increase its local homeless shelter capacity by 20 percent. This expansion builds on HELP USA's legacy of pairing safe, stable housing with wraparound services that help individuals and families thrive. HELP USA continues to strengthen its leadership with individuals who bring strategic insight, cross-sector experience, and a shared commitment to housing justice. Miller's election to the Board reinforces the organization's belief that solving homelessness requires bold partnerships, smart growth, and a deep understanding of the systems that shape people's lives. Learn more: View source version on CONTACT: Samantha Conlan 212.700.8284 [email protected] KEYWORD: UNITED STATES NORTH AMERICA NEW YORK INDUSTRY KEYWORD: PHILANTHROPY FOUNDATION SOURCE: HELP USA Copyright Business Wire 2025. PUB: 07/03/2025 12:33 PM/DISC: 07/03/2025 12:33 PM
