Fourteen new transitional micro suites open this week on Thorne Avenue in Saint John. CTV News Atlantic reports that city council approved the expanded site next to the existing Neighbourly Homes location in February. Now, residents are getting a new path to permanent housing.

Seven people move into their new homes this week. Another seven residents follow by the end of the month.

Inside the New Units

Each unit gives residents their own bed, bathroom and kitchenette. You will also find shared laundry facilities and common spaces inside the building. Staff remain on site around the clock to provide support. Three of the suites are fully accessible.

The local organization 12 Neighbours Inc. operates the site. They also run the existing transitional housing units on Thorne Avenue and Egbert Street that opened last year.

Building Independence

Marcel Lebrun serves as the executive director of 12 Neighbours Inc. He says the new units offer a more independent model for residents compared to the nearby existing units.

“Now they are having to do meal planning, get groceries, take care of a kitchen and bathroom,” Lebrun says. “These are fully equipped units with kitchens and bathroom similar to what a regular housing market experience, yet still staffed 24/7, still supportive. There is still staff there to help people get stabilized.”

Lebrun notes the transitional housing model in Saint John helps residents work on recovery and secure employment.

“We have people now who are full time employed and some of those people are going to move into here, where they have more independence then ultimately move out of here into more permanent housing,” Lebrun says. “That is the model, and some people can progress quickly through that. They just need something to get their feet under.”

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are the new transitional housing units located?

The new units sit next to the existing Neighbourly Homes site on Thorne Avenue in Saint John.

Who operates the Thorne Avenue housing site?

The local organization 12 Neighbours Inc. operates the site.

What is included in each micro suite?

Each suite includes a bed, bathroom and kitchenette. Residents also share laundry facilities and common spaces.