Where recovery takes root
Article included on behalf of Joanne Bernard, Chair of the Halifax Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors.
On a quiet street in north-end Dartmouth, nestled among simple homes, modest apartments, schools, and community parks, sits an unassuming, well-kept house that is home to a unique organization.
Freedom Foundation of Nova Scotia is a not-for-profit committed to creating a safe, supportive environment where recovery can take root—where men living with addictions are given the tools to rebuild their lives, rediscover self-worth, and move forward with dignity and hope.
Freedom Foundation was founded in 1988 by Joe Gibson (current Executive Director) and a group of dedicated men and women determined to make a difference. In 1989, guided by a volunteer board of directors, the Foundation opened its first transition home to welcome men aged 19 and older who were struggling with alcoholism.
Over time, the mandate expanded to support men facing challenges with drugs, gambling, mental health concerns, and often multiple addictions at once. In 2018, the Foundation purchased a second home, adding a fourth phase to the program. This expansion helped meet the growing need for affordable housing for residents who were working but unable to manage the high cost of market rent.
Since opening its doors, the Foundation has supported more than 1,200 men. Many complete all phases of the program—each designed to strengthen life skills, build personal accountability, and foster independence. The average stay ranges from six to eighteen months, offering both the time and structure needed for meaningful recovery.
Nestled in the heart of Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, the Freedom Foundation is more than a house—it is a place of belonging. With thirteen beds that are rarely empty, men from all walks of life arrive carrying both the weight of addiction and the hope for change. What they discover is not only shelter, but also a sense of family. Around the table, meals are shared, stories exchanged, and trust begins to grow.
Residents receive support in the details that matter most: a bus pass for appointments, a modest allowance for personal needs, necessary medications, and help replacing lost identification. These simple yet essential gestures remind each man that he matters.
Often operating at ninety to ninety-five percent capacity, the Foundation ensures that until residents secure their own income or assistance, their needs are met. For many, this is the first real home they have known in years. For all, it is a place where hope is renewed, dignity is restored, and the journey toward a brighter tomorrow truly begins.
Learn more about Freedom Foundation at:
