Priority Access
NSPHA provides priority access to public housing for Nova Scotians in certain urgent situations. To be placed on the priority waitlist, applicants must complete the following two steps:
- Complete an application for public housing through our online application portal or a paper application form.
- Complete the relevant priority access referral form below, which must be completed, dated and signed by a qualified professional as explained in the form.
If you have already applied for public housing and believe you may now be eligible for priority access, you only need to complete a priority access referral form as outlined in step two above.
Priority Access Referral Forms
Households in the following circumstances are given priority access:
| Priority Access Category | You may qualify if: |
|---|---|
| Experiencing homelessness | You do not have a permanent place to live and are:
|
| Fleeing or experiencing family violence | You are experiencing physical or emotional abuse from a family member or intimate partner. Family violence may include but is not limited to physical, psychological, sexual or financial abuse, harassment, stalking, or failure to provide the necessities of life. *NSPHA will not ask you to detail your abuse experience as part of the priority access process. The nature of your experience will remain between you and your referring professional. |
| Living in inadequate housing | Your current housing poses an immediate health or safety risk that make the unit unfit for human habitation. This includes, but is not limited to structural issues, plumbing, electrical or heating systems not working, or substances or chemicals that present an ongoing and immediate risk. |
| Requiring housing near life sustaining health services | You need to move closer to a regional health centre to access life-sustaining health services provided by a medical professional. |
Resources
Emergency Helplines and Crisis Services
Avalon
Avalon provides a continuum of supports and services to individuals affected by sexualized violence.
Avalon 24/7 Sexual Assault Helpline: 902-421-1188
Transition House Association of Nova Scotia
Transition House Association of Nova Scotia (THANS) provides transitional services to women and their children who are experiencing violence and abuse. This includes culturally relevant services to Mi’kmaq People. THANS' 11 member organizations work with women and their children in 13 locations across Nova Scotia:
- Autumn Housing (Amherst)
- Bryony House (HRM)
- Cape Breton Transition House (Sydney)
- Chrysalis House (Kentville)
- Harbour House (Bridgewater)
- Juniper House (Yarmouth)
- Leeside Transition House (Port Hawkesbury)
- Mi’kmaw Family Healing Centre (Millbrook First Nation)
- Naomi Society (Antigonish)
- Tearmann House (New Glasgow)
- Third Place (Truro)
- Mi’Kmaw Family Healing Centre (We’koqma’q First Nation)
Neighbours, Friends, and Families
Neighbours, Friends, and Families is a public education campaign to raise awareness of the signs of domestic violence so that people close to an at-risk woman or an abusive man can help. If you need to stay at a shelter or would like to talk confidentially to a counsellor about your situation or how to help someone you think may be in a situation of violence, call the 24-hour helpline below.
24-hour helpline: 1-855-225-0220 (toll-free, call or text)
Local, Provincial and National Support Resources
Alice House
Alice House provides safe second-stage housing and supportive counselling for women and children in Nova Scotia.
Call: 902-466-8459
Department of Justice Victim Services
Department of Justice Victim Services offers a range of services to help victims of crime and help provide the victim, or spouse or relative, with information, support and assistance as their case moves through the criminal justice system.
Call toll-free: 1-888-470-0773
Shelter Safe
Shelter Safe provides information and a clickable map to help connect women and their children across Canada with the nearest shelter for safety and support.
For a list of additional Community Resources, please click here.