Development community offers space for refugees
Posted Jan 4, 2016 03:13:56 PM.
This article is more than 5 years old.
HALIFAX — A group of local developers in the Halifax area are donating 16 apartment units to Syrian refugees who may come to the province.
Halifax Citadel-Sable Island MLA Labi Kousoulis helped to make the announcement Monday morning alongside local developers who have offered support.
Kousoulis said he received great response from the development community, and they have made a significant donation to support refugees.
“The total donation is 16 units to be donated for one year. It’s a significant donation at a value of over $200,000,” said Kousoulis.
The apartments are dispersed throughout the region, located in areas such as Bedford, Clayton Park, Spryfield and south end Halifax.
Developer Wadih Fares donated five units himself. A decision influenced by his own experiences immigrating to Nova Scotia.
“I fled Lebanon during the war, and I came here with almost nothing. I didn’t even speak the language. But with support from my community and other communities, I managed to learn the language, go to school, and do what I do,” said Fares.
Kousoulis said the apartments will be turned over to Immigrant Services Association of Nova Scotia (ISANS) and the Department of Immigration on behalf of the developers.
The units will be unfurnished and utilities will paid for by either ISANS, the Department of Immigration or the refugee families.
