New Brunswick Housing Corporation

Supportive housing units for people experiencing chronic homelessness and living with mental health issues are coming to the greater Moncton area.

A new project will bring a dozen of the units to a location on Homestead Road in Salisbury.

They’ll offer around-the-clock support to residents.

It’s part of a partnership between the New Brunswick Housing Corporation and Alternative Residences Alternatives Inc. (ARA), a non-profit providing housing and support services for people living with mental illness and experiencing homelessness.

“This is about helping people who are struggling find a better situation, a place where they can focus on reclaiming their lives,” ARA executive director Alan Pendergast said in a statement.

David Hickey, the minister responsible for the housing corporation and the chair of the government’s ministerial task force on homelessness, said the province will invest $250,000 to help ARA acquire the property and build the units.

“We know this type of housing is needed in the greater Moncton area,” Hickey said in a statement.

“We are happy to support a trusted community partner in this mission.”

NBHC secured $7.4 million in emergency funding last September for supportive housing projects.

The goal has been to provide a bridge for people leaving chronic homelessness and helping them find permanent housing.

The funding has made similar projects possible, including in Fredericton’s Forest Hill Road neighbourhood and at the former Smurfit Stone mill site in Bathurst.

The Department of Social Development will work with project proponents to make sure support services are available on-site to all residents.

“Supportive housing is meant to ensure these residents can work on becoming independent while enjoying privacy and dignity in a safe, secure setting,” Social Development Minister Cindy Miles said.

Several other housing developments are being finalized, including at least one more in the greater Moncton area.