Saint John expands transitional housing options

Another step has been taken in Saint John’s efforts to support the city’s homeless population.

A new Bridge Housing site welcomed its first residents on April 15.

Through a partnership between the City of Saint John, the federal government and 12 Neighbours Inc., it marked a major expansion of supportive and transitional housing options.

The site is part of Saint John’s Housing for All strategy.

The new site is next to the existing Green Zone on Thorne Avenue and offers private micro-suites equipped with a bed, bathroom and kitchenette.

Three of the suites are fully accessible and the site offers 24/7 staffing and wraparound services to support residents as they being the move toward permanent housing.

“Bridge Housing fills a critical gap between emergency shelters and permanent housing,” Mayor Donna Noade Reardon said in a statement.

“It offers residents something many of us take for granted. A private space of their own, stability, and 24/7 on-site supports that help them take the next step toward independence.”

The founder of 12 Neighbours said the new site represents meaningful progress.

“These new units are an important part of the progression from homelessness to permanent, stable housing, because housing stability is often built in steps,” Marcel LeBrun said.

With the 14 new units, Saint John has added 68 transitional housing units since August.