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Richmond County

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Trustee program supports housing stability in Cape Breton

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If you would like support paying your rent and utilities on time, there is a trustee program that could help you.

New Dawn Enterprises is offering their free and confidential service to Richmond County and Port Hawkesbury residents.

Community Trustee Marguerite Conradie shared with our newsroom how their services are free, voluntary, and confidential.

She says they will receive your money to pay your rent and utilities first and then they disperse the rest back to you.

“It’s open to any adults. I guess the only thing is this person would need to have some kind of income coming in for us to be able to help. It’s open to any adult, who wishes to have support with their finances,” said Conradie.

“One thing I will say is we don’t provide investment advice or handle large sums. It’s really just for basic budgeting and staying housed and finding that stability with what we have coming in.”

She added additional monthly budgeting support and saving funds for bigger expenses are also available.

Conradie says if your income does not cover your bills, they can help you find benefits you may be eligible for or refer you to a community partner.

You can contact New Dawn Enterprises directly if you are interested in their trustee program or find out more information on their website.

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Healthcare recruitment supported in Cape Breton South after cuts

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Richmond County and the Town of Port Hawkesbury are not giving up on a Cape Breton healthcare initiative after a huge cut to its funding.

Cape Breton South Recruiting for Health, Program Director, Gina MacDonald confirmed at a Port Hawkesbury council meeting that annual community funding of $2 million was cut by 20 per cent, which is a $400,000 provincial cut.

She explained their goal is to recruit and retain medical professionals and that this area does not get enough recruitment strategy focus.

Deputy Mayor Todd Barrett explained why healthcare is an important piece of a municipality.

“If you’re going to attract people, people need healthcare, it’s part and parcel to the growth of a community. So, you know, a healthy community, you need that for the future,” he expressed.

Mayor Brenda Chisholm-Beaton says although municipalities aren’t the key drivers for finding and keeping medical healthcare, the Town has put funding behind it.

“In Cape Breton South, so Richmond County and the Town of Port Hawkesbury were happy to roll up our sleeves [and] figure out a way that we can impact positive change on the R&R, which is the recruitment and retention of medical healthcare staff,” she shared.

The Cape Breton South Health Infusion project initiative was also created to lure American doctors and healthcare professionals to Canada.

MacDonald said considering the political situation in the United States, a lot of them have made it clear that they will be to make their move to Canada permanent.

She’s created new recruitment packages that give a first impression and share about the community to attract and retain potential new medical professionals.