Latest news with #SocietyofSaintVincentdePaul
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Here's where more than $600M in federal funding for new N.S. housing has gone
Thirty-eight people experiencing homelessness in Halifax could soon have an apartment to call home, as a result of a deeply affordable housing project set to open its doors in October. Ozanam Place will provide studio and one-bedroom apartments for people age 50 and over who have been selected from a Halifax Regional Municipality list of unhoused individuals. Rents will be based on 30 per cent of a person's income. "They will be able to lead a more dignified and a happier lifestyle," said Ray Burke, president of the Halifax Particular Council for the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul, which owns the building. Burke said the non-profit's project would not have been possible without $11 million in federal funding from the now-lapsed rapid housing initiative program. "There still is a vast need for this type of financial support, particularly for non-profits that want to get involved," said Burke, who believes the housing crisis remains "quite significant." A recent survey showed the number of people experiencing homelessness in Halifax has doubled from two years prior. But, projects like Ozanam Place represent a small fraction of units being built in Nova Scotia with the help of funding from the national housing strategy's "federal supply initiatives." That's according to Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada data analyzed by CBC News. "Very few units that we have created through the national housing strategy ... are actually deeply affordable and targeted to people in greatest need," said affordable housing researcher Catherine Leviten-Reid, an associate professor at Cape Breton University. Ottawa has provided more than $600 million in loans and grants for new housing projects in Nova Scotia announced between 2018 and 2024. This excludes the housing accelerator fund, another major program which aims to fast-track home construction and cut red tape. The data shows that of the more than 2,000 new units being built, nearly two-thirds come from the apartment construction loan program (ACLP), which provides low-cost loans to developers. "That program is creating supply, but it's not the right kind of supply for people who need it the most," said Leviten-Reid. She points to the program's definition of affordability as a problem. At least 20 per cent of units must have rents at or below 30 per cent of the median family income in a given market. That's an issue, Leviten-Reid said, because the calculation can include homeowners, who tend to have higher incomes than renters, and other higher-income people. The program's affordability requirement can also be met if rents are established based on another affordable housing program or initiative that supports the development. In a statement, the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation said new housing supply "allows higher-income households to purchase or rent newer units," with existing and more affordable units becoming available for those with lower incomes. The CMHC added that other national housing strategy programs are specifically designed to create and repair affordable housing, pointing to a bilateral agreement Nova Scotia and Ottawa signed in 2018. The agreement represents joint funding of $543.6 million. The largest ACLP loans include $157.5 million for 350 units of the Richmond Yards development in Halifax's North End and $115.5 million for a 324-unit development on Joseph Howe Drive that developer BANC Group describes as "a luxurious twelve-storey multi-use building." Leviten-Reid would like to see far more units built where affordability is defined based on the tenant's income, like those at Ozanam Place. In a statement, Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada said work is underway to establish Build Canada Homes — an entity the Liberals promised to create during the federal election to oversee construction of affordable housing in Canada. "The Government of Canada recognizes the urgent need for more deeply affordable housing, including non-market and co-operative housing," the statement said. MORE TOP STORIES
Irish Independent
04-07-2025
- Business
- Irish Independent
Wicklow St Vincent de Paul shop facing stiff competition from ASOS and Superdrug in retail awards
The Society of Saint Vincent de Paul (SVP) Arklow retail store has been recognised for its outstanding community work and commitment to inclusivity by being selected as a finalist in the 2025 People in Retail Awards UK & Ireland. Representing a phenomenal achievement and asource of immense pride for voluntary staff and their town, the Arklow team is nominated in the JEDI Award category, which honours excellence in justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion. Shortlisted alongside major names like ASOS, Levi Strauss and Superdrug, the industry nod is a huge boon for the small, volunteer-led Arklow store, whose staff will keep their fingers crossed in anticipation of the People in Retail Awards winners announcement later this year. Located on Upper Main Street, the Vincent's Arklow store is more than a charity shop, serving as a vibrant, welcoming space that brings people together, promotes dignity, and ensures everyone feels included and supported. Speaking on behalf of the team, who have previously been recognised with the Team of the Year Award by the Society of SVP East Region, a Vincent's Arklow spokesperson said they are 'deeply committed to supporting the fight for social justice to ensure that vulnerable groups and marginalised voices are seen, heard, and helped. 'All members of the retail team have completed AsIAm Autism Champions Training, making the store a more understanding, accessible, and supportive environment for neurodivergent individuals. 'This training has strengthened the store's ability to meet the diverse needs of the community, ensuring justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion aren't just values on paper, but part of daily practice.'
Irish Daily Mirror
17-06-2025
- Business
- Irish Daily Mirror
Essential minimum living costs in Ireland increased by almost 20% since 2020
Essential minimum living costs have increased nationally by almost 20 per cent in the past five years, a new report has revealed. The Minimum Essential Standard of Living (MESL) report was published on Tuesday by the Vincentian MESL Research Centre at the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul (SVP). It found that living costs in Ireland have increased by 1.8 per cent in the past year and 18.8 per cent since 2020. The report highlights that those on social welfare are not receiving enough to reach the minimum essential standard of living, which are services necessary to meet physical, psychological and social needs. And one-parent households are most at risk of financial inadequacy. As an example, the report noted that a one-parent household with a primary and second-level child only meets 82 per cent of the household's minimum needs when dependent on social welfare support. The cost of the needs of a child aged 12 and over remains the highest age group at €158 per week. Social welfare meets just 64 per cent of needs for this age group. The cost of the needs of a primary school age child is €98, while the needs of a preschool-age child costs €72 per week. Saint Vincent de Paul has also stressed that the national minimum wage - which is €13.50 an hour for workers over the age of 20 - "continues to be a concern". Since last year, the minimum outgoings for a single adult in minimum wage full-time employment has risen by 5.6 per cent. A worker in this scenario is making €131 less a week than they need to to meet minimum needs. The report has cited rising private rents in Dublin and an increase in home energy and food costs for this rise. In conclusion, the report highlighted that many household situations, particularly when reliant on social welfare, continue to be at risk of income inadequacy. It continued: "This is especially pronounced for single-adult households and families with older children. Although recent policy measures, such as the introduction of the New Baby Grant and the expansion of school meals and book schemes, have had a positive impact, they are not sufficient to close the gap for all household types."
RTÉ News
16-06-2025
- General
- RTÉ News
Minimum standard of living costs rise by almost 20% since 2020
Essential minimum living costs increased by 1.8% in the past year with a cumulative increase of 18.8% nationally since 2020. The figures are contained in the annual Minimum Essential Standard of Living (MESL) report published by the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul. The research team found that households with older children (second-level age) were at a greater risk of deep income inadequacy when dependent on social welfare. The cost of children aged 12-years and over is the highest of any other age group according to research. At €158 per week in 2025, social welfare meets 64% of needs for this age-group. The cost of the needs of a primary school age child is €98, while the needs of a preschool-age child costs €72 per week. The report also found that the essential standard of living needs for a one parent household with a primary and second-level child cost €555 per week. When dependent on social welfare supports, income only met 82% of this household's minimum needs. The cost of a minimum basket of goods for an urban single adult in minimum wage full-time employment rose by 5.6% in 2025. The report said that while employment generally improves household income, the adequacy of the national minimum wage "continues to be a concern".
