Supportive homes for at-risk youth coming to Saint John, N.B.

MP Wayne Long makes an announcement in Saint John. (Avery MacRae/CTV News Atlantic)

Ottawa and New Brunswick are spending more than $1 million on nine supportive homes for youths at risk of homelessness in Saint John.

The project, known as Mitchener Village, will be available for people aged 19 to 25. It will feature nine bachelor units and two non-residential office spaces, according to a news release from the federal government.

“Mitchener Village is about creating opportunity for youth,” said Karen Cummingis, executive director for the Centre for Youth Care, in the release. “Every young person deserves a safe place to land, people who believe in them, and the chance to build the future they want for themselves.

“When youth have stable housing and real support, it opens the door to education, employment, connection, and healing.”

Ottawa is spending $437,128 on the project through the Affordable Housing Fund while Housing New Brunswick is pitching in $645,000 and the Centre for Youth Care is offering $179,360. The project also received $1.3 million in donations.

“The project we’re announcing today will make a real difference for these young people here in Saint John,” MP Wayne Long. “With every project like this one, we’re getting closer to the country we want – one where everyone has a safe, affordable place to call home.”

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