Our History
It all began with a small group of community-minded people.
These people were concerned by the growing number of youth lacking adequate housing and supports. In partnership with St. Paul’s Home, the dream of Phoenix House became a reality in 1987. Over the years, and from these humble beginnings, Phoenix has developed and strengthened, based on the needs of the community to become Phoenix Youth Programs.
Phoenix House
Our approach is informed by the voices of the youth and families/caregivers we serve, important social justice considerations, best practice research, and the wisdom we have gathered from working closely with community, provincial and national partners.
Phoenix is known locally, regionally and nationally for excellence and innovation. Most importantly, Phoenix has supported thousands of young people, their families and their communities.
Below is a look through the years of Phoenix’s growth since inception:
A Look Through the Years…
1987
Phoenix House opens its doors
As a result of many young people being denied financial aid and housing, and living on the streets with no place to go, five community members begin meeting in 1984 to discuss the city’s housing and youth homelessness crisis. In 1987 St. Paul’s Home donates the use of their first property to Phoenix, and in February, 1987 Phoenix House opens its doors.
The 10-bed home for youth ages 16 - 24 is named after the mythical bird of ancient times which rises from its own ashes, strong and full of promise, and is simply named Phoenix House.
1992
Supervised Apartment Program (SAP) launches
This semi-independent housing program provides a live-in support person who is available to youth as they prepare for independent living. By 1993, Phoenix had founded three supportive homes for youth 16 – 24 years old.
In 2016, the program’s name changed to Phoenix Homes for Independence (PHI) to better reflect its nature. PHI includes three homes. Young people living in this program are developing abilities and skills to live independently.
1992
First Annual Nutcracker Luncheon
Phoenix’s first signature event is born. The first luncheon is held in the basement of St. Andrew’s Church. In 2015, it was renamed the Phoenix Holiday Luncheon. It is now a holiday tradition in the region, selling out to crowds of 1000 guests.
Phoenix staff stand in front of Phoenix Center for Youth (1994)
1994
Phoenix Centre for Youth (PCFY) opens its doors
The walk-in centre for youth 16 – 24 years old offers housing supports, advocacy, parenting support, a nurse, and emergency assistance, including food, clothing, and laundry facilities.
1994
Phoenix launches health services partnership with IWK
An on-site nurse provides healthcare services to youth 16 – 24 who are participating in a Phoenix program.
1998
Officially “Phoenix Youth Programs”
Originally entitled Long Term Services for Youth Association, we adopt the name Phoenix Youth Programs.
2000
Special Initiatives Program (SPIN) Launches
SPIN provides opportunities for youth to develop relationships, build confidence and new skills, and develop leadership skills by participating in therapeutic arts and recreation activities.
2000
Phoenix Learning & Employment Centre opens its doors
The centre provides youth 16 – 24 years old with opportunities for pre-employment and employment supports, life skills, and educational opportunities.
A young person uses a computer at Phoenix Learning and Employment Centre (2001)
2000
First Annual Celebrity Dreamscape
Phoenix volunteers develop a second signature event… gala style. A Midsummer Night’s Dream is held at the Westin Nova Scotian and evolves years later to include performances from the Phoenix Community Choir and some of Canada’s best entertainers. Renamed to Dreamscape in 2012.
2000
Food for Phoenix Program launches
The Phoenix Church Committee and the Food for Phoenix Program is established. An important part of the programming at Phoenix Centre for Youth, dedicated volunteers commit their time and effort over many years to ensure that youth visiting the centre don’t go hungry.
2001
Phoenix Youth Shelter opens its doors
This 20-bed facility offers safe emergency housing, an on-site nurse, clothing, food, and other daily essentials, as well as advocacy and support in relation to needs identified by youth 16 – 24 years old.
Staff in front of Phoenix Youth Shelter (2002)
2001
Parent Support Program launches at PCFY
This program provides parents 16 to 24 years old with advocacy and assistance in accessing supports and resources related to parenting and providing for their children. while providing needed baby-care items and emergency supplies.
2001
Phoenix launches Open Studio art program with AGNS
With the guidance of local accomplished artists, youth 16 – 24 have the opportunity to explore a range of mediums and forms of artistic expression. Open Studio and our partnership with the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia is an important part of Phoenix's Special Initiatives programming.
2002
Prevention Program launches; renamed Phoenix Youth & Family Therapy in 2016
The program is developed based on feedback and suggestions from 16 – 24 year old Phoenix service-users about the kinds of supports that would have been helpful in their younger teen years, and the suffering and challenges this might have prevented for them. A team of masters-level social workers offers early intervention therapy with a strong advocacy component for 11 – 19 year olds and their families/caregivers. This experienced team assists youth and caregivers in addressing a wide array of life challenges, from home, school, and peer difficulties to poverty and discrimination.
2011
Phoenix Community Choir takes flight
An important part of Phoenix's Special Initiatives programming, youth get the chance to push past their inhibitions and lift their voice in song while building skills, confidence, improved mental health and a sense of community. Open to all Phoenix youth.
Phoenix Choir
2011
Phoenix Youth & Community Centre opens its doors
Preceded by several years of working within local junior high schools facilitating girls and boys groups, organizing workshops and conferences with and for youth, collaborating in the development of teen centers, and providing after-school programs.
In 2011, Phoenix is invited by residents of the Mulgrave Park community to collaborate in the design and development of fun, meaningful and relevant programs and opportunities for their youth starting at age 12. The center, welcoming of youth, parents, and community members, soon opens its doors in the heart of the community and offers after school programming, themed groups and events, arts and recreation, leadership, community building projects, and education and employment-related programs and supports.
2011
Phoenix Housing Support Program launches
Working in harmony with counterparts in the mental health and addictions community of support, the program provides outreach supports to help youth transition from emergency housing to their own apartments, and address any obstacles to maintaining stable housing.
2012
Nova Scotia Community Sector Council is formed
Working in partnership with the Federation of Community Organizations for over six years, Phoenix helps to establish the Nova Scotia Community Sector Council.
2012
Phoenix Trusteeship Program launches
The trusteeship program helps upwards of 50 youth per year manage their budgets and maintain housing. The program also provides engaged youth with financial literacy education.
Youth and staff participate in the first annual Mulgrave Park Spread the Love Day (2014).
2014
First ever Mulgrave Park Spread the Love Day
Frustrated with negative perceptions and portrayals of their community, a small group of youth from Mulgrave Park decided to take matters into their own hands. With the support of staff at PYCC, they took to the streets of downtown Halifax and handed out over 500 candygrams with messages of love and affirmations. Over the years, Spread the Love Day has grown into a highly anticipated annual event with 50+ participants handing out over 3,000 candygrams to those they meet along the way.
2012
Phoenix Youth Outreach Program (YOP) launches
Designed to support young people “where they are” both geographically and emotionally. The program provides outreach and advocacy supports, helping to connect young people in HRM to mental and physical health supports, parenting and crisis supports, income assistance, safe housing, and community resources.
2015
Phoenix Supportive Housing Program is established
This program was formed as a way to offer coordinated and complimentary, yet distinct housing services between Phoenix House and the Supervised Apartment Program.
2015
Phoenix Rebrand
In 2013, Phoenix youth involved in our therapy, outreach and community programming taking place in Mulgrave Park expressed concerns about the public’s perception that Phoenix works solely with homeless youth. With this in mind, Phoenix undertook what was termed internally as the 'Identity Shift project' from 2013 - 2015 to conduct in-agency research in an effort to clearly define what it is we do. This research was helpful in many ways, including adjusting the way we communicate about our work publicly.
In 2014 Phoenix was the grateful recipient of in-kind support from Bits.co, and with their help, our brand and messaging was redefined to be more inclusive of the work we do and the people we work with.
With a new vision, mission, website, and print collateral, our look and the words we use to represent Phoenix now comprehensively reflect who we are.
The new Phoenix logo (2015)
2017
Phoenix joins Canadian Housing & Renewal Association
The Canadian Housing & Renewal Association (CHRA) is a national, membership-based organization dedicated to supporting and strengthening the social and non- profit housing sector. CHRA undertakes research, develops policy, makes recommendations, and advocates on behalf of its members to compel federal decision-makers to work towards positive change.
2021
Creighton Street House Program launches
Generously acquired from St. Paul’s Foundation and previously cared for by the Heritage Trust of Nova Scotia and other dedicated community groups, the Creighton Street House opened its doors in 2021. Set in a two-story house with three bedrooms, a finished attic, and yard, the Creighton Street House program offers a home to a young family to live with full wrap-around supports as the youth completes their education goals and prepares for the future.