Hope Has a New Address: YWCA Halifax Opens Phase 3 of Mount Hope Village in Dartmouth

Exterior entrance of a newly constructed townhouse unit at Mount Hope Village in Dartmouth, featuring grey stone veneer siding, an open front door showing the interior wood flooring, and modern outdoor fixtures.

A close-up view of a newly completed townhouse unit entrance at YWCA Halifax’s Mount Hope Village housing expansion in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia.

Finding a safe, comfortable, and affordable place to live is one of the most critical challenges facing families across the Halifax Regional Municipality. This month brings a major sign of progress for our local community: YWCA Halifax has officially completed Phase 3 of Mount Hope Village in Dartmouth, adding 57 new townhouses to increase non-profit housing capacity in the area.

This milestone brings the total number of homes at Mount Hope Village to 123 units, providing stable housing and wrap-around support services for up to 200 Nova Scotians.

What is Included in Phase 3?

Phase 3 adds 57 brand-new homes, including 40 affordable townhouse units and 17 market-rate units. The project creates a vibrant, mixed-income community where families led by women and gender-diverse individuals can build strong futures.

Rent Breakdown for Phase 3:

  • 2-Bedroom Affordable Units: $1,075 per month

  • 3-Bedroom Affordable Units: $1,250 – $1,445 per month

  • 3-Bedroom Market-Rate Units: $2,250 per month

By combining affordable and market rents within the same community, YWCA Halifax is creating a sustainable non-profit housing model that maintains long-term affordability for Dartmouth residents.

A Collaborative Tri-Level Government Investment

Mount Hope Village represents a joint effort between non-profit leadership and all three levels of government to address housing needs in Nova Scotia:


Pie chart showing the $23.68 million Phase 3 funding breakdown for Mount Hope Village: Federal CMHC contributing $17.00M (71.8%), Provincial NS contributing $5.28M (22.3%), and Municipal HRM contributing $1.40M (5.9%).

A funding breakdown chart illustrating the tri-level government investments totaling $23.68 million for Phase 3 of YWCA’s Mount Hope Village in Dartmouth, NS.

"Hope needs somewhere to live. With 57 new townhouses providing housing for 200 people, Phase 3 of Mount Hope Village will offer Nova Scotians something powerful: the security and stability of a place to call home."

— Miia Suokonautio, CEO, YWCA Halifax

Beyond Four Walls: Wrap-Around Community Supports

Mount Hope Village offers more than just shelter—it delivers holistic support. YWCA Halifax embeds essential wrap-around services directly into the development to ensure long-term stability for residents, including:

  • Tenancy Support: On-site help to maintain housing stability and navigate tenant resources.

  • Healthcare & Mental Health Referrals: Direct connection to health professionals and wellness networks across Halifax.

  • Employment & Skills Training: Career pathways and skill development tailored for women and gender-diverse heads of household.

Quick Questions & Answers (Q&A)

Who is eligible to rent at Mount Hope Village in Dartmouth?

Leases at Mount Hope Village must be held in the name of a woman or gender-diverse individual. Other family members and dependents are welcome as occupants listed on the lease.

Where is Mount Hope Village located?

Mount Hope Village is situated in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, within one of the Province of Nova Scotia’s 16 designated Special Planning Areas designed to accelerate housing development across the Halifax region.

How do I apply for supportive housing with YWCA Halifax?

Applications and intake assessments for YWCA housing projects are managed directly through YWCA Halifax and coordinated housing access gateways in HRM.

Newly built two-story grey vinyl and brown panel townhouses at YWCA Mount Hope Village in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia.

Newly completed townhouse units at YWCA Halifax's Mount Hope Village community expansion in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia.

Take Action: How You Can Support Community Housing

Building a stronger, more equitable Dartmouth requires sustained community involvement. Here is how you can support local housing initiatives:

  1. Learn More About YWCA Housing Programs: Visit the YWCA Halifax Supportive Housing Page to explore their ongoing projects across the region.

  2. Support Local Non-Profits: Donate or volunteer with non-profit housing providers who keep affordable units in community hands permanently.

  3. Stay Informed on Local Planning: Follow regional housing news and learn how HRM's Special Planning Areas are helping bring new units online faster.

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