Housing for All Strategy

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Project Overview

The City of Saint John's Housing for All Strategy embodies our community's united and compassionate approach to addressing homelessness over the next three years, using a person-centered and human rights approach.

Project update: September 22, 2025

The City of Saint John released a new Housing for All Policy Framework outlining a compassionate and coordinated approach to addressing homelessness in our community. It includes the creation of 🟢 Green, 🟡 Yellow, and 🔴 Red Zones, each with specific purposes to ensure public safety, uphold human rights, and support unhoused residents. This work is being done in partnership with local service providers and the Province of New Brunswick. To find out where the Red Zones are located, visit our interactive map here.


Housing For All Vision Statement

“Every resident within the City of Saint John is entitled to a safe, supported, and sustainable home. In the spirit of the right to adequate housing articulated in the 1948 United Nations’ Universal Declaration of Human Rights, The City of Saint John wishes for its residents to live in security, peace, and dignity, regardless of the home’s permanence. The City of Saint John’s goal is to provide safe community spaces for access by all its residents, while supporting individuals as they access housing that meets their specific needs.”

With the Housing for All strategy, the City and community partners are focused on a shared vision of every resident having a safe, supported, and sustainable home. The strategy is the roadmap. There are four foundational priorities that will be built out to achieve the 28 action items identified within it.

The Housing for All Strategy will continue to develop and adapt in response to the community’s needs and lessons learned from implementing its various actions. Together, as a small city with a big heart, we can ensure that everyone in Saint John has a place to call home.

OUTCOMES:

1. To provide safe community spaces for access by all residents, while supporting individuals as they access housing that meets their specific needs.

2. We will strive to make homelessness rare, brief and nonrecurring.


Working with the Province of New Brunswick

Affordable and social housing subsidies and associated wrap around services (such as mental health and addiction services) are funded through taxes collected by the Province of New Brunswick. The Government of New Brunswick is responsible for the delivery and management of these services.

Indoor sheltering and supportive housing options are provided by the Province of New Brunswick and their service providers. Some charities and community groups also offer indoor options, often with funding from the province.

For information on community groups, not-for-profit organizations, and charities in our region that support individuals experiencing homelessness, visit the New Brunswick 211 website. This free information and referral helpline connects New Brunswickers with essential community resources, helping them access the support they need.

Commitment from the City of Saint John

While the province is responsible to lead addressing homelessness in all of New Brunswick's municipalities, the City of Saint John is committed to applying resources to support efforts aimed at helping to address homelessness and increase the capacity of better options for those sleeping rough in Saint John. The development of the Housing for All policy strived to ensure all citizens of Saint John feel safe and respected, while adhering to Supreme Court of Canada rulings as they relate to an individual’s right to adequate housing. As a municipality, we have the obligation to ensure human rights-based goals and outcomes while preserving dignity.

The Housing for All strategy emphasizes a holistic approach to addressing homelessness, ensuring that housing solutions are not just about providing shelter but also about offering supportive services that address the underlying issues of homelessness.


Supportive Housing


*Information provided by the Province of New Brunswick, Department of Social Development

What kind of support services are offered at Supportive Housing sites?

Support services are provided through a trauma-informed practice and include:

  • Prioritized spending (budgeting based on wants vs. needs)
  • Access to community resources (food, support groups)
  • Healthcare and mental health support
  • Steps towards re-unification for those with children, and/or estranged family
  • Tenancy skill development (basic household responsibilities)
  • Support to reduce the risk of Housing Unit Takeover (HUT)

Local Supportive Housing

Somerset A.C.R.E.S. Housing Initiative


The Foundation Centre – 24/7 Community Hub
102 Waterloo Street
(506) 658-8050
info@outflowsj.com

Beacon Cove Youth Homeless Shelter
Hours: 24/7
50 Broad Street
(506) 642-3208

Project Overview

The City of Saint John's Housing for All Strategy embodies our community's united and compassionate approach to addressing homelessness over the next three years, using a person-centered and human rights approach.

Project update: September 22, 2025

The City of Saint John released a new Housing for All Policy Framework outlining a compassionate and coordinated approach to addressing homelessness in our community. It includes the creation of 🟢 Green, 🟡 Yellow, and 🔴 Red Zones, each with specific purposes to ensure public safety, uphold human rights, and support unhoused residents. This work is being done in partnership with local service providers and the Province of New Brunswick. To find out where the Red Zones are located, visit our interactive map here.


Housing For All Vision Statement

“Every resident within the City of Saint John is entitled to a safe, supported, and sustainable home. In the spirit of the right to adequate housing articulated in the 1948 United Nations’ Universal Declaration of Human Rights, The City of Saint John wishes for its residents to live in security, peace, and dignity, regardless of the home’s permanence. The City of Saint John’s goal is to provide safe community spaces for access by all its residents, while supporting individuals as they access housing that meets their specific needs.”

With the Housing for All strategy, the City and community partners are focused on a shared vision of every resident having a safe, supported, and sustainable home. The strategy is the roadmap. There are four foundational priorities that will be built out to achieve the 28 action items identified within it.

The Housing for All Strategy will continue to develop and adapt in response to the community’s needs and lessons learned from implementing its various actions. Together, as a small city with a big heart, we can ensure that everyone in Saint John has a place to call home.

OUTCOMES:

1. To provide safe community spaces for access by all residents, while supporting individuals as they access housing that meets their specific needs.

2. We will strive to make homelessness rare, brief and nonrecurring.


Working with the Province of New Brunswick

Affordable and social housing subsidies and associated wrap around services (such as mental health and addiction services) are funded through taxes collected by the Province of New Brunswick. The Government of New Brunswick is responsible for the delivery and management of these services.

Indoor sheltering and supportive housing options are provided by the Province of New Brunswick and their service providers. Some charities and community groups also offer indoor options, often with funding from the province.

For information on community groups, not-for-profit organizations, and charities in our region that support individuals experiencing homelessness, visit the New Brunswick 211 website. This free information and referral helpline connects New Brunswickers with essential community resources, helping them access the support they need.

Commitment from the City of Saint John

While the province is responsible to lead addressing homelessness in all of New Brunswick's municipalities, the City of Saint John is committed to applying resources to support efforts aimed at helping to address homelessness and increase the capacity of better options for those sleeping rough in Saint John. The development of the Housing for All policy strived to ensure all citizens of Saint John feel safe and respected, while adhering to Supreme Court of Canada rulings as they relate to an individual’s right to adequate housing. As a municipality, we have the obligation to ensure human rights-based goals and outcomes while preserving dignity.

The Housing for All strategy emphasizes a holistic approach to addressing homelessness, ensuring that housing solutions are not just about providing shelter but also about offering supportive services that address the underlying issues of homelessness.


Supportive Housing


*Information provided by the Province of New Brunswick, Department of Social Development

What kind of support services are offered at Supportive Housing sites?

Support services are provided through a trauma-informed practice and include:

  • Prioritized spending (budgeting based on wants vs. needs)
  • Access to community resources (food, support groups)
  • Healthcare and mental health support
  • Steps towards re-unification for those with children, and/or estranged family
  • Tenancy skill development (basic household responsibilities)
  • Support to reduce the risk of Housing Unit Takeover (HUT)

Local Supportive Housing

Somerset A.C.R.E.S. Housing Initiative


The Foundation Centre – 24/7 Community Hub
102 Waterloo Street
(506) 658-8050
info@outflowsj.com

Beacon Cove Youth Homeless Shelter
Hours: 24/7
50 Broad Street
(506) 642-3208

Stories of Progress: Housing for All Success Stories

Across our communities, individuals are achieving milestones that bring them closer to stability and independence. This section highlights inspiring success stories from our housing initiatives—stories of resilience, personal growth, and transformative change. Explore how participants are building stronger futures through skill development, support networks, and newfound opportunities.  



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  • Share Somerset ACRES Housing Initiative: Advancing Skills and Strengthening Communities on Facebook Share Somerset ACRES Housing Initiative: Advancing Skills and Strengthening Communities on Twitter Share Somerset ACRES Housing Initiative: Advancing Skills and Strengthening Communities on Linkedin Email Somerset ACRES Housing Initiative: Advancing Skills and Strengthening Communities link

    Somerset ACRES Housing Initiative: Advancing Skills and Strengthening Communities

    5 months ago

    The Somerset ACRES Housing Initiative continues to make significant strides in fostering independence among its residents. March was a month marked by substantial progress in skill development, community engagement, and personal growth.

    Participants have demonstrated commitment to acquiring essential life skills that will support their transition to independent living. Seventeen individuals have commenced cooking in the administrative trailer, with two receiving additional assistance. Notably, French toast and oatmeal have emerged as preferred meal choices.

    Household management has been prioritized, with ten residents consistently maintaining and organizing their living spaces. Nine participants have undertaken budgeting efforts, reinforcing financial responsibility. Emotional wellness... Continue reading

Page last updated: 22 Sep 2025, 04:27 PM