Our Commitment
Across the Maritimes, United Ways have a vested interest in addressing affordable housing. For more than 100 years, United Ways across the Maritimes have been tackling some of our region's most pressing social issues at both grassroots and systemic levels and strengthening communities to create lasting change.
Through convening, innovation, advocacy and donor stewardship, United Way has made significant progress in addressing poverty, social isolation, and affordable housing and providing support for community members experiencing marginalization and vulnerability. We have a long history of engaging with stakeholders, including those experiencing marginalization, service providers, business leaders and government officials. We also have experience leading housing symposiums, developing an affordable housing community land trust, representing community needs on advisory boards and committees and more.
With the unification of seven United Ways to become United Way Maritimes, we have recently established an Affordable Housing Division. The Affordable Housing Division is focused on addressing the systemic roots of homelessness and housing insecurity. We are developing and growing a portfolio of sustainable, non-market affordable housing options, using our own unique expertise to join others helping to address the growing housing crisis.
Ongoing Projects
Lower Sackville, NS
Sackville Tiny Home Community
The Sackville Tiny Home Community is a pilot project aimed at providing rapid housing solutions for individuals experiencing homelessness. This initiative is a collaborative effort involving the Provincial Government, HRM, and community partners to create a supportive environment with wrap-around services.
Located on Cobequid Road, this community consists of 52 units designed for dignity and stability. Residents have access to a community center, shared amenities, and on-site support staff to assist with transitioning to permanent housing.
Quick Facts
- 52 individual units with private bathrooms and kitchenettes
- 24/7 on-site support and security
- Partnership with The Shaw Group for rapid construction
Amherst, NS
The Groves at Hillsdale
The Groves at Hillsdale is designed to fill growing gaps in the missing middle of housing options, where homeownership opportunities for working families with modest, stable incomes are in extremely short supply.
When the project is complete, there will be 47 residential units in total. Most units will be available for sale through a modified shared-equity homeownership model, with the remainder available at affordable monthly rents.
Saint John, NB
Sunnyside Community
The Sunnyside Community is a supportive affordable housing community project in Saint John, New Brunswick. United Way Saint John, Kings & Charlotte is leading this project and will be the owner and operator of the site. This community will offer up to 70 high-quality, deeply affordable modular home units, with wrap around supports to ensure residents can remain safely housed.
The Sunnyside Community is designed to address the homelessness crisis. Residents will be selected from the by-name list and NB housing list. A home at Sunnyside will provide stability, allowing residents to achieve personal goals and rebuild their lives. Please note: we are not currently accepting applications or creating a waitlist, and these homes are not for sale.
Current Milestones
- Applications for funding from government partners submitted, Spring 2025
- RFP process for selection of a builder, Spring 2025
- Land purchased thanks to donor support, Spring 2025
- Application for rezoning approved by Saint John Council in February, 2025
- Project publicly launched in September, 2024
