New Dawn expanding Abbey Ridge supportive youth housing to Sydney

SYDNEY, N.S. — New Dawn is expanding its Abbey Ridge supportive housing program with a new seven-bed home in Sydney, creating more safe, stable and supportive housing for youth ages 16 to 24. 

The new housing residence comes in response to significant and ongoing demand for supportive youth housing in the community. Abbey Ridge’s two existing locations provide a total of 13 beds, which have remained consistently occupied, while the program continues to receive new referrals and maintain a wait list. Expected to open in November 2026, the Sydney location will bring Abbey Ridge’s total capacity to 20 youth. 

“Opening a third Abbey Ridge home is about so much more than adding seven beds,” said Larissa Rodriguez, New Dawn’s Director of Youth and Family Care. “It is about creating another opportunity for young people to have safe, stable housing while remaining connected to the people, schools, services and communities that are important to them. We know how much demand exists for supportive housing, and we are incredibly excited to be able to expand this support into Sydney.” 

The new location will serve youth who meet Abbey Ridge’s existing eligibility requirements and will follow the same supportive housing model as its other homes. Like all Abbey Ridge locations, the Sydney home will be 2SLGBTQ+-inclusive and affirming, ensuring youth have a safe, welcoming and supportive place to live. 

Abbey Ridge’s eligibility requirements are: 

• Be 16–24 years old and experiencing homelessness or, in some cases, at imminent risk of homelessness 
• Be able to live independently with support 
• Qualify for income assistance or have employment income and be able to pay the designated monthly rent 
• Be willing to live in a supportive environment, participate in life-skills programming, and work with staff toward greater independence 

Funding from the Province of Nova Scotia’s Department of Opportunities and Social Development allows Abbey Ridge to subsidize rent for residents, significantly reducing the cost of housing for youth in the program. Residents pay a designated monthly rent, which includes a private, fully furnished bedroom, shared household amenities including laundry facilities and shared living spaces, and access to ongoing supports from Abbey Ridge staff. 

For young people from the Sydney area, having an Abbey Ridge home in their own community means they will no longer need to relocate to Glace Bay to access the program. They can remain close to their schools, families, friends, services and other important relationships while receiving the housing and support they need. 

The location will also place residents close to the New Dawn Centre and Anchor Youth Space Sydney, creating opportunities to connect youth with a broader network of services and supports. 

Anchor Youth Space Sydney is an Integrated Youth Services (IYS) hub where youth ages 12 to 25 can access a range of supports in one welcoming, youth-focused space, without a referral or fee. IYS services include mental health and wellness supports, employment and education resources, housing support, life-skills programming, peer support and opportunities for social connection. Its proximity to the new Abbey Ridge home will make it easier for residents to access these services while remaining connected to the staff and supports available within their home.  

“Housing is one of the foundations of well-being. When young people have a safe and stable place to call home, they have a much stronger foundation to focus on their education, employment, relationships, health, and future,” said Rodriguez. “This new home allows us to provide that stability while keeping youth connected to their community, and the proximity to New Dawn’s existing services creates an incredible opportunity for truly integrated, wraparound support.” 

Abbey Ridge’s work extends beyond providing a place to live. Staff work alongside residents to build the skills, stability and connections they need to move toward their individual goals and greater independence. 

“We’ve seen young people come through our doors disconnected from school and unsure of what their future could look like, and with stability, support and people who genuinely believe in them, we’ve watched them return to high school, graduate, pursue post-secondary education and begin careers in their chosen fields,” said Rodriguez. 

“At the heart of that is love — showing young people that they matter, that they are worthy of care and that someone will keep showing up for them through the good days and the hard ones. When you give someone that kind of love and support, it’s amazing what becomes possible.” 

The new Sydney home is expected to welcome its first residents in November. Youth interested in Abbey Ridge, as well as families, service providers and community organizations supporting young people who may be eligible, can learn more about the program and apply online at https://newdawn.ca/housing-homelessness/abbey-ridge/.

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ABOUT NEW DAWN  

New Dawn is Canada’s oldest Community Development Corporation. Since 1976, we’ve been working to create a more just, healthy, and self-determined community by responding to local needs and driving long-term, systems-level change. Today, New Dawn continues to focus on self-reliance, resilience, and community-led transformation. Every day, we engage thousands of community members and employ over 150 Cape Bretoners through programs and services that are practical, creative, and grounded in care. Our work spans health and social care, housing, the arts, youth, immigration, and community development. Some of these services generate revenue, which we reinvest into our organization — fueling sustainability and deepening community impact. 

ABOUT ABBEY RIDGE 

The Abbey Ridge Supportive Living Program provides a safe, supervised, and supportive transitional housing option for youth who are between the ages of 16 and 24. Abbey Ridge has two locations in Glace Bay and will open a new location in Sydney in the fall of 2026. 

The youth in the supportive living program are at high risk of negative life outcomes due to a lack of resources and support. The program aims to overcome this barrier by assisting youth in identifying and reaching their own personal goals through support, empowerment, and advocacy. The program offers a supportive environment that fosters the development of life skills and independence.