Dozens of public housing units handed over to Preston community organization

The Nova Scotia government has transferred ownership of 48 public housing units in Cherry Brook, Lake Loon, North Preston and East Preston to the Preston Area Housing Fund.

According to the province, the properties were officially transferred on Sept. 23 to the community-led housing organization, which brings its total number of units up to 61.

The transfer marks an important step in expanding Black-led community housing initiatives and increasing access to affordable housing for African Nova Scotians.

Most of the units will continue to be managed as affordable housing, with a longer-term plan to transfer additional units to tenants and create home ownership opportunities within the community.

“I believe that everyone should have equal access to housing opportunities,” said Kerry C. Johnston, executive director of the Preston Area Housing Fund in a release. “Affordable housing is the foundation that our communities need to help families move up, from struggling to making progress.”