The Sunflower
Opening its door in September 2022, the Sunflower consists of four two-story buildings containing housing units and a one-story community building, housing approximately 50-60 women, gender diverse people, mothers and their children. This space has 25 units, offering a variety of 2-bedroom and 3-bedroom units, with four of them fully accessible. The Sunflower was designed to be low-income housing that was both beautiful, family orientated and environmentally sustainable with rent geared to each households’ income. In our community building, residents can access services and programs developed by Adsum staff and Peer Support Workers. Additional support is also offered by our Social Worker who works with residents at our various permanent housing sites.
This space was named in honour of Adsum’s cherished friend, Patti Melanson, a nurse, health and housing advocate, and recipient of the Order of Nova Scotia, who passed away in 2018. Patti’s daughters, Ella and Mackenzie were asked to name the development as a tribute to Patti and her vision for a more just society where housing, safety and dignity were afforded to all its members.
“Sunflowers were not only our mom’s favourite flower but they represent so much of who she was –beautiful, strong and always turning toward the sun. Our mom believed that people, no matter their circumstances, should not be treated with judgement, only compassion. Sunflower Court will be a place where, like sunflowers, its residents will find the light, warmth and safety they need and deserve.”
- Quote from Mackenize, Patti’s Daughter
Affordable housing is the solution to homelessness, and we are now working on funds to be able to build 15 more single and family apartments in Lakeside with our Sunflower Phase 2 project. Click below to read visit our blog page and learn more about the Sunflower’s creation.
