Shelter Enhancement Program

The objective of the Shelter Enhancement Program (SEP) is to assist in repairing, rehabilitating and improving existing shelters for women and children as well as youth who are victims of family violence and to assist in the acquisition or construction of new shelters and second stage housing where needed. Funding is provided jointly by the Government of Canada (50%) and the Province of Nova Scotia (50%).

Assistance

Financial assistance is in the form of a fully forgivable loan which does not have to be repaid provided the owner adheres to the conditions of the program. The maximum total loan per unit or bed units is $24,000.

For newly developed projects, a contribution up to 100 per cent of a project's capital cost may be available. This assistance must be secured by a forgivable 15 year mortgage.

The maximum loan for renovation varies in accordance with the number of existing units or bed-units within the project.

Eligibility

Eligible clients are non-profit corporations or charities who have the operation of housing for women and children or youth who are victims of family violence as a principal objective. As funding is limited to capital assistance, sponsor groups must obtain the assurance of operating assistance for emergency shelters. For second stage housing, occupants are expected to make modest contributions to offset the project's operating costs.

Eligible work

Eligible repairs are those required to bring existing emergency shelters and second stage housing up to minimum levels of health and safety, to permit accessibility for disabled occupants, to provide adequate and safe program and play areas for children and to ensure an appropriate level of security for the occupants.

Where a new emergency shelter or second stage housing is being developed, the project should be modest and reflect the actual needs of the client. The most cost-effective and appropriate projects will be selected.

Next steps

To obtain more information about this program, or to find out how to apply for financial assistance, please contact your nearest Housing Services Office of the Department of Community Services.