Killam Properties Pledges Support For Mental Health

(HALIFAX, NS - February 15, 2010)

 

Today, one of Canada’s largest residential property owners announced its commitment to improved mental health for Nova Scotians.

 

Killam Properties is generously donating $135,000 to the Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia to provide affordable housing for people with mental illness.

 

“Housing is the essential foundation for a stable and productive lifestyle”, said Killam Properties President Phil Fraser. “Mental illness provides a multitude of challenges in finding a suitable place to live. Our support will continue to put more people living with mental illness into clean and safe homes”.

 

Two years ago, Killam Properties and Capital District Mental Health began work on a pilot program aimed at providing people with mental illness more affordable rent and customized mental health support. Currently, Killam is providing support to 31 people which has ultimately led another property management company to support another 16. The hope is for even more companies to come on board to reach a goal of 250.

 

“Clients feel good about the new homes they have as a result of this program. Their faces light up when they see their units”, said Sandra Hennigar, Special Projects Lead, Capital District Mental Health Program. “People need support in order to live well and we work with tenants to make sure their apartment life is enjoyable and productive”.

 

For many people living with mental illness, their condition renders them unable to work and their only income is government assistance. Those who can get jobs often are poorly paid and struggle to pay their bills, including rent.

 

“That’s why this announcement is so important”, said Mary Lou Crowley, President & CEO of the Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia. “Through its leadership, Killam Properties is helping make a difference in the lives of these clients. It will help pave the way for them to live in much more comfortable and secure settings while at the same time, easing their financial strain”.

 

The Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia is committed to creating a higher level of awareness of mental health and to support organizations to deliver the highest level of mental health care throughout Nova Scotia. The Foundation is thrilled to partner with Killam Properties on this exciting initiative.

 

 

Erin Esiyok

Manager, Marketing & Communications

Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia

Phone: 902-464-5994

E-mail: erin.esiyok@cdha.nshealth.ca