N.S. defends $1.3M affordable housing program that resulted in 60 leases

The Nova Scotia government has come under scrutiny for defending a $1.35-million housing program that resulted in only 60 leases over a period of approximately two years. Despite the low number of leases, a spokesperson from the Department of Growth and Development has stated that the contract with Happipad, a non-profit home-sharing platform, was successful in providing homes for those in need.

Criticism has arisen due to the high cost of the program, with each lease costing over $22,000. Opposition parties have argued that the government has failed in its duty to assist Nova Scotians in finding affordable housing. However, Chrissy Matheson, a representative from the department, has defended the program by emphasizing that Happipad is just one of many initiatives being explored to connect individuals with safe and affordable housing options.

Happipad was introduced in 2023 with the goal of matching renters in need of month-to-month accommodation with homeowners who have spare rooms to rent. The government highlighted the fact that there were around 130,000 vacant bedrooms in the province at the time of the program’s launch. While only 60 formal leases were made through Happipad, data suggests that an additional 400 individuals may have found housing outside of the platform.

During the program’s duration, approximately 1,850 renters and 950 hosts signed up to utilize Happipad’s services. Despite criticisms from NDP Leader Claudia Chender, who described the Happipad contract as more of a “gimmick” than a real solution to the housing crisis, Matheson reiterated the government’s commitment to its housing plan. This plan involves a $1.7-billion investment that has facilitated the creation of over 50,000 housing units in less than two years, with more units planned for the future.

In conclusion, while the Happipad program may have faced challenges and criticism, the Nova Scotia government remains dedicated to addressing the province’s housing needs through various initiatives and investments. Their focus on providing safe and affordable housing options for all residents continues to be a top priority.