A new housing initiative in Saint John is set to welcome young individuals facing homelessness by providing affordable and accessible accommodations. The announcement was made by government officials at a three-story building on Victoria Street in the city’s north end. Wayne Long, the city’s member of parliament, emphasized that all 14 housing units will offer affordability, with four units being accessible.
Funding for the project, which involved contributions from the federal, provincial, and municipal levels, totaled $4.6 million. The initiative was spearheaded by Unified Saint John Housing Co-Operative Ltd., a local non-profit organization. Emmanuelle Proud-Thomson, the group’s president, highlighted the importance of stable housing for young people, noting its positive impact on various aspects of their lives.
The new housing development is currently under construction across from Victoria Square, where the announcement took place. The project aims to support vulnerable 16- to 21-year-olds, focusing on preventing long-term homelessness trajectories. The building will employ a “trauma-informed” approach in selecting tenants and will provide rent subsidies to ensure affordability.
Expected to be completed in the coming weeks, the housing units will offer on-site support for residents as they transition to more permanent housing solutions. Mayor Donna Reardon, provincial Health Minister John Dornan, and other officials attended the event, underscoring the community’s commitment to addressing youth homelessness through comprehensive support services.
Proud-Thomson emphasized the importance of housing as a foundational element for individuals, highlighting the need for safety, community engagement, and a sense of belonging for all young people. The initiative aims to provide a supportive environment for residents to thrive and eventually graduate from the program towards greater stability.