More than $7 million in government funding has been announced for an affordable housing development in Saint John.
Federal, provincial and municipal officials were on hand for Thursday morning’s announcement in the city’s south end.
The 39-unit project on Broad Street will be geared toward women-led families recovering from mental health and addiction issues.
Saint John-Rothesay MP Wayne Long said the federal government will contribute more than $4.5 million through the Rapid Housing Initiative.
“I know that all of us in the room share a goal across the country that we have to have safe, affordable places, we have to have many, many safe, affordable places to call home,” said Long.
The Department of Social Development is contributing more than $2.7 million toward the project, the city will spend $200,000, and the remaining $100,000 will come from Kaléidoscope Social Impact.
New Brunswick Social Development Minister Jill Green said this is an important project for the city.
“The Barrack Green Residences will not only provide housing but an important community for families that may be facing similar struggles,” said Green.
There will also be support services available to the women through a partnership with New Brunswick Social Pediatrics, an interprofessional, community-based service agency that cares for children and their families.
Seth Asimakos, co-founder and CEO of Kaléidoscope Social Impact, said having these supports in addition to the housing is critical.
“Non-profit developers like ourselves could not build without this support and look forward to more of the same as we meet the housing challenge in Saint John,” said Asimakos.
Construction has yet to start on the building, located behind the former St. John the Baptist Church, but he hopes to have people in the units by early 2025.
Asimakos and his organization are also working to redevelop the former church into a creative hub with groups like Brilliant Labs, the IDEA Centre and artists.
