We understand that life can throw you curveballs, 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 Service
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.
Juniper House 1 (800) 266-4087: They provide shelter and outreach services for women and children.
Tri-County Women’s Centre 1(877)742-0085: The centre offers a safe and warming environment for women to come and take a break. Services include a Medical Wellness Clinic, Mental Health Program and Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner Program.
Split Rock Housing Support 902-742-5509: A non-profit organization that helps to support vulnerable populations within our local communities. They value individuals and families as the experts of their lives and are committed to walking with them as they navigate the support necessary to meet their housing needs.
Parents’ Place 902 749 1718: an informal family resource center for parents and their children, where the kids can play and learn together.
Yarmouth Food Bank 902 742 0918: Provides emergency food support to those in need.
Nova Scotia Legal Aid Yarmouth 902 742 7827 or 1-866-742-3300: helps families facing family, criminal, youth, or justice issues. Also offers some level of help like Canada Pension Disability, Employment Insurance, Income Assistance etc.
Yarmouth Recreation 902 742 8868: provides recreation programming and services for the residents of the Town of Yarmouth and Municipality of Yarmouth by increasing the availability of recreation and leisure programming for residents.
Acts of Kindness 902-307-7772: They offer free meals every Saturday, and rural food delivery upon request.
Nova Scotia Works Employment Services 1-866-868-9673: Employment Services with many programs for job seekers.
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
SHYFT Youth Services 902.881.3111: SHYFT provides temporary housing for up to seven youth (ages 16 - 24). In addition to residential services, SHYFT offers programs, workshops and outreach services which include but is not limited to supportive counseling, accompaniment, washroom access, laundry, and kitchen facilities.
Kids Help Phone 1-800-668-6868: Call or chat anytime with a professional for mental health support.
Aidaen’s Place Youth Wellness Center 902-881-3444: A safe and inclusive space for young people to meet, socialize and engage through a variety of activities.
Home Support Programs
Home Warming Program: Home Warming 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 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.
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.