A project that’s building 14 supportive housing units for youths at risk of homelessness in Saint John, N.B., is receiving $4.5 million in combined funding. Ottawa made the announcement along with the Government of New Brunswick and the City of Saint John on Wednesday. “This project will quickly create homes for some of Saint John’s most vulnerable residents – young people whose need is greatest, and urgent,” said Wayne Long, the MP for Saint John—Kennebecasis, in a news release. The 14 one-bedroom units on Victoria Street are expected to be completed in the coming weeks. The New Brunswick government says each tenant will receive rent subsidies, so residents will pay no more than 30 per cent of their monthly income on rent. There will also be on-site support for residents as they work towards longer-term housing. Saint John Mayor Donna Reardon emphasized the importance of investing in at-risk youth. “Youth are our future and we must invest in our future now,” she said. Emmanuelle Proud-Thomson, president of the Unified Saint John Housing Co-operative, echoes this. “For young people, having a safe and affordable place to call home provides the stability they need to build their future,” she said. “Unified Saint John Housing Co-operative is proud to be creating more affordable housing options in Saint John.” Reardon says the new homes will make a meaningful difference in the community for years to come. The New Brunswick Housing Corporation has provided a forgivable loan of $1.1 million to non-profit group Unified Saint John Housing Co-Operative Ltd., for the project. The federal government has contributed $3.4 million through its Affordable Housing Fund, while the City of Saint John is providing $145,000. For more New Brunswick news, visit our dedicated provincial page.
