A new housing development in Saint John comprising fourteen units is set to open in early 2027, catering to at-risk young individuals who are facing potential homelessness. The unveiling of this initiative took place on Victoria Street in the city’s north end, with officials from the local, provincial, and federal governments coming together for the announcement.
Each of the fourteen housing units will be affordable, with four of them designed to be accessible, as highlighted by Wayne Long, the Member of Parliament for Saint John. He emphasized the significance of these homes, pointing out that behind each number lies a young person in need of a secure place to call their own, study, rest, and plan for the future.
The housing project, spearheaded by the Unified Saint John Housing Co-Operative, is tailored for youth aged 16 to 21 who have encountered trauma and are vulnerable to homelessness. The construction of the units is nearing completion, with an expected opening date of January 1. Funding for the project came from various government levels, with the federal government contributing $3.4 million, the provincial housing corporation providing $1.1 million, and the city chipping in $145,000.
Emmanuelle Proud-Thomson, president of the Unified Saint John Housing Co-Operative, stressed the transformative impact that stable housing can have on a young person’s life, offering a foundation from which they can pursue education, employment, health, and future aspirations. The building, situated near Victoria Square, is set to adopt a trauma-informed approach in selecting tenants and will provide on-site support for residents aiming for more permanent housing solutions.
The goal of the housing project is to intervene early in the lives of vulnerable youth to prevent a cycle of homelessness. Tenants will receive rent subsidies, paying a maximum of 30% of their income towards rent, with the units being “rent-geared-to-income” to accommodate individuals with limited financial resources.
Mayor Donna Reardon, Health Minister John Dornan, and other community representatives expressed their support for the initiative, highlighting the importance of providing not just shelter but comprehensive support services to help individuals transition out of homelessness and towards a more stable future.
