Fresh Start Services in Saint John, led by Melanie Vautour, is focused on helping people experiencing homelessness, particularly those facing mental health, addiction, and trauma challenges. To address the growing need for supportive housing, a 12-unit building is under construction in the Waterloo Village area. Originally planned for women, the building may also house men in bachelor-sized units. The residents will receive on-site services, including mental health and addiction support, with rent capped at 30% of their income and supplemented by government funds. The building’s first floor will house Fresh Start’s expanded offices, as the organization has outgrown its current space.
Saint John faces a significant homelessness issue, with over 200 people homeless, according to the Human Development Council. Partners like Kaleidoscope are also working to build more affordable housing, but the city’s overall housing stock is insufficient to meet demand. Experts suggest that 20% of housing should be affordable to support a vibrant, inclusive community, but Saint John falls short of that target. The new Waterloo Village project, called the House of Merritt in honor of Fresh Start’s late executive director, Lois Merritt, will open in spring 2024, continuing her legacy of providing a fresh start through housing.
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