The Sunflower is Planted & Growing!

It was an exciting day when the concrete was poured for the footings of The Sunflower’s housing units.

by Sheri Lecker, Executive Director

With the nights growing colder and tents and temporary shelters set up in parks across the city, it goes without saying that the need for safe shelter is urgent. While Adsum offers emergency shelter and affordable housing every night to women, families and gender-expansive persons, the demand far exceeds the current supply. Thanks to funds from the Rapid Housing Initiative and generous donations from individuals, businesses, and foundations, there has been exciting progress made on The Sunflower over the past few months.

In early August, construction crews cleared our land for the five buildings, setting aside large rocks and boulders that will become part of the natural playscape. By mid-September, the concrete footings were being poured and progress since has been swift.

Recently, I had the opportunity to visit Eastcut Wood Building Solutions in Trenton where the modular framing for our units is being constructed. It was amazing to watch local workers building the wooden walls that will soon make their way to HRM to be erected on-site. By the end of the year, it’s expected that the residential buildings will be weather-tight.

Members of The Sunflower project team with the prefabricated walls for Building C.

The sense of urgency that we’re all feeling to complete this project is great. Record numbers of people in our municipality and across the province are experiencing homelessness and housing insecurity. We are so grateful that the generosity of our supporters will allow The Sunflower to open its doors next spring. Depending on the makeup of each household, we expect to see 50-60 people, including children, make The Sunflower their home. It’s never been more needed.