Saint John Unveils $4.5M 'Jerome's Place' Supportive Housing Complex for At-Risk Youth

SAINT JOHN, NB — Government representatives from three levels of administration gathered in Saint John’s north end Wednesday to inaugurate Jerome’s Place, a $4.5 million purpose-built supportive housing facility dedicated to youth facing homelessness.

Tri-Level Funding and Co-operative Development

The 14-unit residential building on Victoria Street was developed through a partnership between the Unified Saint John Housing Co-operative Ltd. and non-profit builder Housing Alternatives. Financing was assembled through a $3.4 million grant from the federal Affordable Housing Fund, a $1.1 million forgivable construction loan from the New Brunswick Housing Corporation, and a $145,000 capital contribution from the City of Saint John.

All 14 self-contained one-bedroom apartments are rent-geared-to-income, ensuring youth aged 16 to 21 pay no more than 30 percent of their monthly earnings or social assistance entitlements.

Comprehensive Wrap-Around Supports

Four of the suites are fully barrier-free and accessible. On-site caseworkers and social development counselors will provide continuous life-skills coaching, mental health navigation, educational tutoring, and employment readiness programs to assist residents transitioning from foster care or emergency shelters to permanent independence.

Community housing advocates noted that youth homelessness across Atlantic Canada has grown by 18 percent over the past two years due to rising private market rental rates.

Occupancy and Intake Timeline

Intake assessments coordinated with the Saint John Teen Resource Centre and local school districts are complete, with full tenant move-ins scheduled over the next three weeks.