Saint John city councillors want to know why 16 transition housing units sit empty while the city battles chronic homelessness. During a recent council meeting, staff presented an update on the Housing For All strategy. The report showed progress in reducing downtown encampments. However, the number of vacant units in the city green zone transition sites sparked tough questions from council members. You can read the original report from CBC News.

Council Demands Answers on Empty Units

Councillor David Merrithew led the charge on the vacancy issue. He asked why nearly 25 percent of the green zone units remain unoccupied. Currently, 50 out of 66 units house residents. Merrithew expressed frustration over the empty spaces, especially since the city faces a tight 2.1 percent overall rental vacancy rate.

The transition sites on Thorne Avenue and Egbert Street opened to house people previously living in tents. The group 12 Neighbours operates these sites. Each location features tiny units with a bed, a desk, and an iPad, along with shared kitchen and bathroom facilities.

The Reality of Transitional Housing

City staff provided several reasons for the empty units. Community Support Services Manager Cara Coes explained that units require repairs and updates between tenants. She noted that some people leave on their own, transition to other housing, or simply find the setup is not the right fit.

Amy Poffenroth, the city commissioner for Growth and Community Services, added that filling these units requires constant effort. She pointed out that selected tenants sometimes fail to show up on the day they are scheduled to move. When that happens, staff must return to the shortlist and select the next person. The province of New Brunswick now holds full oversight and operational responsibility for these green zones.

Encampment Numbers Drop in Red Zones

While vacancies caused concern, councillors praised the city progress in clearing encampments from restricted areas. The red zone strategy bans encampments in specific parts of the city core. When the plan launched in September, the city recorded 25 encampments in these restricted areas. Today, that number sits at just four.

Councillor Gary Sullivan called the reduction a significant improvement. City staff also confirmed that five encampments currently exist in yellow zones, which are city owned lands where officials permit tents. The Human Development Council reported 268 people experiencing chronic homelessness in Saint John as of June.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Housing For All strategy?

It is a city led plan launched in 2024 to reduce homelessness in Saint John.

Who operates the transition housing sites?

A group called 12 Neighbours operates the sites on Thorne Avenue and Egbert Street.

What is a red zone?

A red zone is an area in the city core where officials ban homeless encampments.

How many people experience chronic homelessness in Saint John?

As of June, data showed 268 people experiencing chronic homelessness in the city.