Frequently Asked Questions about the SHYM Program
- When will SHYM open?
- Will I have my own apartment?
- Can any young mother live at SHYM?
- If I live at SHYM, what is expected of me?
- Where is SHYM located?
- What can I look forward to at SHYM?
- Can my baby's father come live with me?
- I am young, and I have a child, and I am having a hard time finding an apartment. Is SHYM for me?
- My child has been taken into care by DCS. If I live at SHYM, will I get my child back?
- Can I come for a tour?
- I have a lot of other questions.
SHYM is now open.
Yes. Each family has their own small apartment. There are 12 apartments in all. SHYM is not a group home.
Can any young mother live at SHYM?
You have to qualify to receive income assistance.
If I live at SHYM, what is expected of me?
You will have to agree to take part in SHYM activities. This includes:
- Meeting with the Family Support Worker to talk about what is going on with you, how you and your baby are doing, and what support you might need.
- Going to group programs. (the great thing about group programs is that tenants decide on the topics... so if you really want to learn about something, you can request that topic).
- Taking part in SHYM community events, such as regular house suppers.
- Following SHYM policies and rules. There are more rules at SHYM than in a typical apartment building. The rules are mainly to keep everyone safe, since so many young mothers have dealt with abuse in their families or other relationships.
- Keeping your apartment safe for a child and taking care of yourself and your child (or children) - including making meals, doing laundry, bathing, etc. SHYM staff won't be inspecting your apartment. Some people are messy, others are totally neat, and others really need to have a clean place - any of these are OK.
We are in Woodside, which is part of Dartmouth. We are very close to the new Waterfront campus of the Nova Scotia Community College. We are next door to the Dartmouth General Hospital and also near the Nova Scotia Hospital. The Woodside ferry terminal is about a four-minute walk from us; once you are on the ferry, it is a 15-minute ride across the harbour to downtown Halifax. We are on bus routes 60, 65, and 165. The closest high school is Dartmouth High (1 bus). You can also get to the Dartmouth and Halifax FLEC's programs from where we are (2 buses). The new community college across the street from us has a day care centre and Wee Care - Dartmouth Developmental Centre, is also nearby. We are a 10-minute walk from a grocery store, and less than 5 minutes from a drug store. There are recreational facilities and a harbourfront walking trail close by. There are also places to work and volunteer. Google Map to Location
What can I look forward to at SHYM?
There are lots of great things about a program like SHYM. For some people, the best part is having a safe place to live, a door you can lock, and food of your own. For other people, it is having staff close by to answer questions about your baby and help you when you aren't sure how to handle something. And for others, the best part is knowing that your child is in a good environment. There are also the nice neighbours, fun activities, and the chance to be part of something bigger - like planning a holiday event for everyone, or helping someone else who has just had a baby. Last but not least, you will get support and information to help you and your baby get off to a great start as a family.
Can my baby's father come live with me?
No. SHYM provides housing for young mothers and their children only. Other people, including the father of your baby, may come visit, if you wish.
I am young, and I have a child, and I am having a hard time finding an apartment. Is SHYM for me?
Maybe, but maybe not. If you are willing to take part in the support and education that SHYM offers, then SHYM might be right for you. Give us a call to talk about your situation. We can help you decide if SHYM is right for you. Unfortunately, it can be really hard for young mothers to find a place to live. You may be discriminated against. Or, the only place you can find might cost way too much. Or, the places you can afford may not be good places for children. We wish we could solve this situation!
My child has been taken into care by DCS. If I live at SHYM, will I get my child back?
SHYM may be the right place for you - but it might not be. Young mothers who live at SHYM have to be ready, willing, and able to take care of their child or children. Also, you cannot bring any harm to the other parents and children who live at SHYM. If you think SHYM might be for you, please contact the SHYM office to talk with us about your situation. You can also ask your social worker to call us for you.
Yes! Come see the building and ask any questions you have. You can come alone or with someone who supports you. Coming for a tour can help you decide if SHYM is right for you. Give us a call.
I have a lot of other questions.
SHYM is a brand new program, and not all your questions will have answers yet. That can be a little scary, but it is also a great chance to be part of deciding the rules and policies. The first group of mothers who live at SHYM will help make decisions that shape what kind of place SHYM becomes for other families in the future.
