The City of Saint John is moving forward with a new Bridge Housing site as part of its Housing for All Strategy, expanding supportive and transitional housing options for individuals experiencing homelessness. While the site will be located within one of the City’s designated Green Zones, the Bridge Housing model represents a more independent form of transitional housing than the existing Neighbourly Homes communities.

The Bridge Housing project will provide 14 private micro‑suites, each equipped with a bed, bathroom, and kitchenette, supported by 24/7 on‑site staffing and wrap‑around services. Three of the suites will be fully accessible. The new Bridge Housing site offers residents increased privacy and independence while still ensuring access to the supports needed to transition successfully toward permanent housing.

“This project is about meeting people where they are and helping them move forward,” said Mayor Donna Noade Reardon. “Bridge Housing fills a critical gap between shelters and permanent housing, while ensuring residents receive the support they need to succeed.”

Beginning April 1, 2026, the Province of New Brunswick will assume responsibility for the oversight and operational costs of all three sites located within the City’s Green Zones, which include the two existing Neighbourly Homes communities and the new Bridge Housing site. Both Neighbourly Homes and Bridge Housing are recognized by the Province as supportive housing models within its homelessness strategy. As the transition moves ahead, the City will transfer its agreements and land access to the Province.  The Province will take on overall responsibility for the sites, while 12 Neighbours continues to operate them.

The new Bridge Housing site will be located adjacent to the existing Green Zone on Thorne Avenue, benefiting from nearby municipal services, and transportation access. In addition to the micro‑suites, the site will include shared amenities such as laundry facilities, common space, and a dedicated staff building.

Since opening in the summer and fall of 2025, the first two Green Zones on Egbert Street and Thorne Avenue have operated successfully with 24/7 staffing. As of early 2026, Egbert Street had 26 of its 27 transitional units occupied and Thorne Avenue had 24 of 27 transitional units occupied. Similar operational standards will apply to the expanded site.

This work is supported through a $3.4 million Unsheltered Homelessness and Encampments Initiative (UHEI) funding agreement announced in February 2025, delivered in partnership with the federal and provincial governments. This agreement enabled the construction and operation of the two Neighbourly Homes Green Zones, as well as community program supports.

Together, these initiatives strengthen Saint John’s response to homelessness by expanding transitional housing options, improving access to services, and supporting rights‑based relocations.

More information about the Bridge Housing project and the City’s Housing for All Strategy is available at: https://shapeyourcitysaintjohn.ca/housing-for-all

Source City of Saint John