The City of Saint John has officially opened a new 14 unit Bridge Housing community to support individuals transitioning out of homelessness.

This project welcomed its first residents on April 15. The facility offers private microsuites, each equipped with a bed, bathroom, and kitchenette. Three of these units are fully accessible. The project represents a joint effort between the City of Saint John, the Government of Canada, and 12 Neighbours Inc.

Located next to the existing Green Zone on Thorne Avenue, the Bridge Housing site gives residents an independent living model. It provides essential 24/7 staffing and wrap around services to help individuals move toward permanent housing. You will also find shared amenities on site, including laundry facilities, a common space, and a dedicated staff building.

Provincial Oversight and Community Impact

On April 1, the City transferred all agreements and land access for its three Green Zone supportive housing sites to the Province of New Brunswick. The Province now oversees the Egbert Street Neighbourly Homes, the Thorne Avenue Neighbourly Homes, and the new Bridge Housing community. 12 Neighbours Inc. continues to run the daily operations at all three locations.

Saint John Mayor Donna Noade Reardon highlighted the importance of this development. Bridge Housing fills a critical gap between emergency shelters and permanent housing, she said. It offers residents something many of us take for granted: a private space of their own, stability, and 24/7 on site supports that help them take the next step toward independence. This is not just a building, it is a pathway to a better future.

The addition of these 14 units brings the total number of transitional housing units added in Saint John since last August to 68. Marcel LeBrun, founder of 12 Neighbours Inc., called this meaningful progress for people moving directly from encampments or living rough.

Wayne Long, Member of Parliament for Saint John Kennebecasis, noted that the project received support through the Unsheltered Homelessness and Encampments Initiative. He stated the government is proud to back a project providing access to the services residents need to transition to permanent housing.

Read the original announcement on the City of Saint John website.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Bridge Housing?

Bridge Housing is a transitional living model that provides private microsuites for individuals experiencing homelessness. It offers independence while supplying 24/7 support staff and wrap around services to help residents transition to permanent housing.

Who operates the new housing site in Saint John?

The Province of New Brunswick assumed full oversight of the site on April 1. 12 Neighbours Inc. manages the daily operations.

Where is the new Bridge Housing community located?

The new 14 unit site sits adjacent to the existing Green Zone on Thorne Avenue in Saint John.