A 12-unit transitional housing building for women in Saint John affected by homelessness will become reality after recent funding from provincial and federal governments.
About $3.6 million will go towards the project. The Department of Social Development is investing $480,000, including 12 rent supplements for 20 years, equalling about $1.4 million.
Meanwhile, the Regional Development Corporation’s community development fund will offer $400,000, while the federal government’s rapid housing initiative contributes $1.4 million.
The project, developed by the Coverdale Centre for Women, aims to address the needs and gaps in transitional housing for women experiencing homelessness.
It will include four accessible units and a courtyard with a communal garden.
Social Development Minister Dorothy Shephard said the building would give women a chance to re-enter the housing market by providing them with resources and a safe temporary place to live.
“We are very pleased to support this important housing project for the Coverdale Centre for Women, which has been providing services to vulnerable women and children in Saint John since 1975,” she said.
Federal Housing and Diversity and Inclusion Minister Ahmed Hussen said everyone deserves safe and affordable housing, adding that this was a goal of Ottawa’s National Housing Strategy.
“This is why it is important to support local partners such as Coverdale Centre for Women to develop more housing options for vulnerable members of our population,” he said.
“Particularly women facing challenging situations.”