N.S. to build transitional modular housing for health-care workers – Halifax | 24CA News

The province of Nova Scotia says it would spend $8 million to construct modular housing tasks which can present reasonably priced, transitional housing for health-care staff “in communities where housing options are limited.”

A launch from the Department of Municipal Affairs and Housing stated having extra housing choices will assist with recruiting and retaining health-care staff.

“We need health-care workers, and we know some communities are having challenges recruiting and retaining them due to limited housing options,” stated Housing Minister John Lohr within the launch.

“The modular housing model has been successful in other jurisdictions. This investment will help support our health-care workers with transitional housing until more permanent solutions are available.”

The launch stated the province will companion with the Housing Trust of Nova Scotia on this mission. They will work with well being companions, municipalities and different stakeholders to put momentary cell modular properties “in areas where there is an acute demand.”

“The Housing Trust of Nova Scotia will work closely with government representatives and municipalities to identify locations for the modular homes,” the discharge stated.

“The trust will use its current processes to establish a modular partner so the units are delivered as quickly as possible.”

Michelle Thompson, the Minister of Health and Wellness, stated lack of housing choices is a “major hurdle” in attracting health-care staff to the area.

“These modular homes will help tackle a long-standing problem and attract healthcare professionals who want to make a life in Nova Scotia,” she stated.

Supplier wanted

In an electronic mail, Municipal Affairs and Housing spokesperson Krista Higdon stated the modular items are “meant to be a short-term solution for people as communities build more housing stock over the next several years.”

She stated the Nova Scotia Housing Trust will assist set up qualification standards for who can entry the items.

“This initiative is based on need, so the principal criteria will be a demonstrated demand for units, within a given community,” she stated.

Higdon additionally stated the belief will work “urgently” to companion with a provider for the modular items.

“Getting the modulars delivered quickly is the priority in choosing a supplier. Until a supplier is chosen, we can not predetermine how many modulars there will be,” she stated.

This announcement comes almost two weeks after Opposition events referred to as on the federal government to assure housing for the health-care staff it just lately recruited from a Kenyan refugee camp.

Minister Thompson introduced earlier this month that following a recruitment journey to a refugee camp in Kenya, the provincial authorities gave 65 individuals conditional provides to work as continuing-care assistants within the province.

Continuing-care assistants are skilled to assist with day by day dwelling for individuals who want help in health-care and long-term care amenities, or by means of dwelling care.

Higdon stated Tuesday that the 65 staff will likely be housed by their employer and won’t be counting on the approaching modular items.

— with information from The Canadian Press

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