Author: YWCA Halifax

April 2026 Newsletter

From Smile Cookies to Safe Spaces:
Anchor Youth Space Opening Fall 2026

We’re thrilled to share some heart warming news that speaks directly to the power of community: YWCA Halifax’s Anchor Youth Space Halifax-Chebucto has been selected as a beneficiary of this year’s Tim Hortons Smile Cookie Campaign! 

From April 27 to May 3, every Smile Cookie and Smile Cookie plushie purchased at participating Tim Hortons locations across the Halifax Regional Municipality will help fuel vital mental health supports for young people.
 

One hundred percent of proceeds will be donated to the IWK Foundation in support of the two Anchor Youth Space sites in HRM, as well as the Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia.


Co-created with youth, families and community partners and funded by the IWK, Anchor focuses on early connection and prevention using a trauma informed, youth centred approach —meeting young people where they are before concerns become more complex by providing access to safe, inclusive spaces, trusted adults and peer support, community connections and accessible, youth driven services. 

The site will welcome youth ages 12 – 25 to access free mental health, wellness, and substance use support services providing low barrier support for youth and young adults seeking connection, guidance, or help navigating life’s challenges. 

Here’s how you can help!

•    Buy a Smile Cookie or plushie between April 27 and May 3
•    Share campaign posts from YWCA Halifax and community partners
•    Thank Tim Hortons team members for supporting youth mental health
•    Tell a friend—every cookie fuels connection, care, and hope
•    Make a secure online contribution to support YWCA Halifax’s work in the community by making a donation here.

Together, we can help ensure that young people across HRM have access to the support they need, when they need it most. Let’s make this the biggest and sweetest Smile Cookie week yet!

Partnerships that Promote: Celebrating International Womens’ Day at Workspace Atlantic

Last month, our friends at Workspace Atlantic Inc. marked International Women’s Day (IWD) in a truly meaningful way.

With an open invitation to the public they welcomed community into their Bayers Lake location to highlight the importance of gender-equality and celebrate women’s achievement, also inviting members of our team to share how YWCA Halifax supports this movement here at home in Nova Scotia. Their leadership reflects a powerful truth: when we invest in women, we invest in shared prosperity, stronger communities, and meaningful social, economic, and cultural progress.

This year’s IWD theme, Give to Gain, encouraged a spirit of generosity, collaboration, and shared purpose across the globe. It reminded us that when individuals, organizations, and communities give – whether through donations, mentorship, education, or advocacy – women gain opportunities to thrive and the fabric of society becomes stronger through collective action. 
 

Our warmest thanks to Tanya, Harumi, Alle and the Workspace Atlantic team for holding space to highlight equality as your discussion partner! 


We’re grateful for the opportunity to spark conversations and find ourselves blessed in the unique partnerships we hold within community, with businesses and individuals alike, that drive change and encourage impact when we work together.  

If you would like to learn more about how you can support your local YWCA Halifax or have a fundraising idea that you’d like to explore with us, please reach out. We’d love to hear from you!

Carol Anne , Miia, and Danielle  of YWCA Halifax joined with Belinda Ferguson, Belinda Ferguson Coaching and Dalene Allen, Networking Naturally (2nd & 3rd from left) at Workspace Atlantic.
Special thanks to (l-r) Harumi, Tanya, and Alle for organizing the event and inviting us in!

“Not What I Wanted, but What I Needed”: WLC Unites to Discuss Holding Space for the Hard ‘NO’

January 2026 Newsletter

A Happy Holiday Thank You-
30,000 Times Over!

L-R: David Sobey VP Operations, Sobeys Atlantic, Jim Cooke, Financial Controller, YWCA Halifax, Daniel Lowther, Director of Operation Support, Sobeys Atlantic.
Thanks to our caring community for your collective support raising $30,000 for YWCA families this holiday season! Happiness takes root at home, and we appreciate those who supported our annual Home and Hope for the Holidays campaign with a financial contribution or gift card donation to support YWCA Housing participants. Your kindness is sincerely felt and always appreciated!A big shout out, too, to Sobeys for their $10,000 contribution of gift cards received this December and helping to alleviate a little pressure for families at this special time of year!

The need is 24/7 and is ever evolving! From all of us at YWCA Halifax, thank you for partnering with us to make a difference.  We hope you continue to be inspired to do so!
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Housing Intake Coordinator

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

Title: Housing Intake Coordinator

Department: Housing

Reports to: Housing Manager

Classification: Full Time, Permanent

Hours: 37.5 hours per week

Start Date: As soon as possible

Deadline: June 26th, 2025

Location: Dartmouth, NS

YWCA Halifax is committed to diversity, and we welcome all suitably qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply. YWCA Halifax is governed by, employs, and serves diverse individuals and community members. Self-identification by applicants does not guarantee an interview but we want you to know that we understand that lived experience of racialization, Indigeneity, (dis)Ability, and gender diversity are their own knowledge and expertise. We value this expertise and consider it as we discern who to interview.

YWCA Halifax is a progressive, multi-service, not-for-profit organization dedicated to improving the lives of women, girls, Two Spirited and gender diverse people and their families at critical turning points in their lives. We work to transform lives by providing a continuum of services and programs that drive lasting positive change. We strive to change the underlying issues that are root causes of inequality, violence, poverty, and homelessness. Our four program focus areas include: promoting the health, wellness, and leadership of women and girls; advancing women’s economic and housing security; delivering quality, accessible, early learning, and child care; and working to end violence against women, girls and gender diverse people.

Why work for the YWCA

Staff at YWCA Halifax enjoy a supportive and dynamic team environment, a commitment to staff growth, a connection to the national and international YWCA movements, learning from colleagues in a multiservice agency, and a strong shared vision.

Why YOU should apply

Even if you don’t have all the requirements listed in this position, you may be the right candidate. If you are a natural leader with a strong attention to detail and a passion for social justice and gender equity, we want to hear from you.  Take a chance and apply.  Tell us how you can make a difference through your YWCA.

Position Overview

Our housing programs support women and children in independent housing who are exiting shelters, streets, and corrections and who face multiple barriers. Our Housing First approach has been recognized nationally and our participant-centred program has proven successful in the more than ten years it has been operating.

We are seeking an experienced front-line worker to join our dynamic and creative housing team.  Reporting to the Housing Manager, the Housing Intake Coordinator is part of a team that believes that women have a right to quality, affordable housing and the supports they need to be successful in life.

Qualifications and Experience

  • An undergraduate degree in Social Work or related field such as, sociology, psychology, or equivalent combination of education and work experience.
  • A minimum of 2 years’ experience working in a community-based setting supporting marginalized people.
  • Understanding of feminist theoretical perspectives and intersectionality. Also, of issues such as racism/colonialism, violence against women, sexualized human trafficking, sexual health, and poverty.
  • Knowledge of, and experience with community-based, trauma-informed, harm reduction practices as well as a strong commitment to ongoing learning and development in these areas.
  • Flexible and adaptable to client schedules and diverse work environments.
  • Experience in intake, assessments, case management and delivery of direct support services required.
  • Strong advocacy skills and the ability to work collaboratively with community partners.
  • Excellent administrative, computer, and organizational skills
  • Exceptional communication (both written and oral) skills.
  • Experience with grant and report writing.
  • Financial Management is considered an asset.
  • Proven ability to work independently and in a team environment.
  • Familiar with HIFIS (Homeless Individuals and Families Information Systems, a national database that tracks statistics related to homelessness) and SPDAT (Service Prioritization Decision Assessment Tool) considered an asset.
  • Must have First Aid/CPR, Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training, and Non-Violent Crisis Intervention training or a willingness to obtain these upon being hired.
  • Subject to Criminal Records check with Vulnerable Sector search and a Child Abuse Registry search.

Essential Duties of Position

  • Advance the mission and vision of the YWCA Halifax.
  • Responsible for direct service delivery to participants in a housing setting: intake, case management, move ins and move outs, outreach, and advocacy.
  • Assist the Housing Manager with administrative aspects of the housing team operations such as: financial coordination, grant writing and reporting, etc.
  • Collaborate and build relationships with external program partners including Department of Community Services, Affordable Housing Association of Nova Scotia, landlords, other housing, and services providers, etc.
  • Ensures that program activities operate within the policies and procedures of the YWCA Halifax.
  • Ensure that participant information files are properly maintained and kept confidential.
  • Train and supervise students and volunteers.
  • Must be available for emergency and On Call duties.
  • Position will include regular travel within the HRM.

Special Conditions of Employment

Must have completed First Aid and CPR training, Work Hazard and Safety Training (WHIMIS), NVCI, ASIST, a Criminal Records Check with Vulnerable Sector, and Child Abuse Registry Check. Must have access to a reliable, insured vehicle.

If interested, please send your cover letter and resume in one document to humanresources@ywcahalifax.com Subject Line: Housing Intake Coordinator. Application Deadline: June 26th, 2025.

March 2025 Newsletter

Featured Story

YWCA Halifax Launches CUSP, A Youth Volunteering and Community Changemaking Project

On Tuesday, March 4th, Lena Metlege Diab, Member of Parliament for Halifax West, announced an investment of $2,882,206 in funding for YWCA Halifax on behalf of the Honourable Marci Ien, Minister of Women and Gender Equality and Youth.

YWCA’s CUSP- Youth Volunteering and Community Changemaking Program will offer youth participants meaningful service placements within their communities, where they will develop social competencies and enhance their physical, financial, digital, and mental literacy.

CUSP aims to serve up to 107 youth participants who are Black or racialized, 2SLGBTQI+, newcomers, members of official language minority communities, youth with disabilities, youth from low-income households, and youth living in rural or remote areas of the Halifax Regional Municipality. CUSP will involve activities that require youth participants to volunteer at local organizations. It will provide onboarding and capacity development through in-person workshops, virtual training sessions, mentorship, community action, reflection, and peer sharing, along with regular check-ins and one-on-one meetings.

YWCA Halifax extends our gratitude to The Government of Canada and Canada Service Corps (CSC) for their support of community youth programs. Please note the opinions and interpretations in this publication are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the Government of Canada.

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Strategic Plan 2025-2030

December 2024 Newsletter

The Future of Affordable Housing

Together We Make a Positive Impact

When speaking with our Director of Housing and Facilities, Krista Dunn, she shared that in her almost ten years with the YWCA Halifax, she has been “floored and humbled by the perseverance of the individuals and families we serve and the dedication and commitment of the staff team.” Krista points out that many participants have already overcome significant barriers by the time they join YWCA programs. For her, it is a privilege to be part of their journey. She has watched families reunite and exit the child welfare system after generations of involvement, participants graduate from high school and post-secondary education programs, and individuals recover from addictions. Though there have been many challenges, there have been countless more successes.

Krista recalls *Misha, a former housing participant who said, “I didn’t have anyone to help support me in becoming a new mother. I was surprised to find out what a healthy home looked like. I learned to feel safe and create the stability needed to provide for my son and me.”

Over the next five years, YWCA Halifax aims to build 369 affordable housing units, which will provide homes for approximately 1,000 individuals – individuals like *Misha. And we need your support to do this. We cannot lose momentum. Please donate today.

In 2024 alone, YWCA Halifax successfully opened 63 housing units. Of these, 32 are brand-new homes housing 119 people, reducing the HRM By Name List by an astounding one-third. The HRM By Name List prioritizes homeless and precariously housed individuals and families based on need and matches them to suitable housing.

Together we can build neighborhoods where children play freely, families live without fear of eviction, and individuals focus on their hopes and goals. Join us in making this vision a reality.

Let’s change lives in the HRM. Imagine a Halifax where no one must sleep on the streets, where families can stay together, and where individuals can rebuild their lives with dignity. This vision can become a reality with your help. Please donate today.

YWCA Halifax also accepts donations via e-transfer. Simply send your e-transfer to: finance@ywcahalifax.com and use the password: Housing. You are also welcome to drop a cheque off between 8:45 – 4:30 Monday to Friday at 358 Herring Cove Road, Spryfield.  

Together, we can make a difference. 💜

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October 2024 Newsletter

Mount Hope Village

YWCA Halifax announces 32 townhomes for women and their families at affordable prices in Mount Hope Village.

Families have moved into their new houses and are settling into the neighbourhood. Of these 32 units, 10 are reserved for Indigenous families who are in core housing need and experiencing homelessness. 12 units are for families currently living in hotels and shelters for women and children. The remaining 10 units are filled by participants of YWCA Halifax housing programs. Pricing for these houses range from deeply affordable to affordable starting at $1,050/month (including utilities), $1,350/month (including utilities), and $1,750/month.

YWCA Halifax made an incredible impact by housing families in Mount Hope Village, reducing the By Name List by one-third. The By Name List is a list of people in the Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM) who are experiencing homelessness and looking for stable housing. YWCA’s visionary plan to construct more housing for women and their families promises an exciting future for affordable housing in the HRM.

“This project demonstrates the art of the possible when we work together. When we lean into each of our respective expertise and with the support of all orders of government, we can achieve affordability and complete communities at scale. Quality modular housing and solid partnerships offer a viable way out of the housing crisis.” Miia Suokonautio, Executive Director of YWCA Halifax.

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