Housing Crisis in Nova Scotia

I'm finding it extremely hard to get into the Christmas spirit when there are people living in tents and struggling to afford food, while others over-spend, over-eat, over-drink and generally over-indulge. It's not ok that some people have everything, while others have little to nothing. How have we gotten here??

The number of winterized vacation homes that sit vacant for 6-10 months of the year is disgusting and the ones that are being rented are going for exorbitant prices. The shortage of rentals is a CRISIS! It shouldn't be taken as an opportunity to rip people off! How do people sleep at night knowing their rental price makes it nearly impossible for an average family to afford? What about single parents? People working for minimum wage? 

When did greed and individual gain take over? Where did the sense of community go? Honestly? I blame Covid restrictions, insolations and social distancing. We have forgotten how to exist together successfully and supportively. 

Despite all of this, I am so happy to see that kindness is still peeking through. Some people are offering meals, free items or services, and help where they can. Occasionally a rental even pops up for a fair price, but we need a lot more than this to help turn this situation around. 

No one should be ok with Nova Scotians living on the streets this winter. You shouldn't have to know a person struggling to want to help. We can all help this holiday season. At very minimum, you can offer a smile, but maybe you're in a position to provide more. Whatever it is, whatever you can do, it all matters and it all helps!