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City of Saint John Welcomes First Participants to Thorne Avenue Neighbourly Homes CommunityThis week, the City of Saint John proudly welcomes the first participants to its newly established Neighbourly Homes community on Thorne Avenue, marking another transformative step in the City’s Housing for All Strategy and its commitment to addressing homelessness with compassion and innovation.

On Wednesday, November 5, the first courtyard at the Thorne Avenue site began welcoming participants. The second courtyard is set to open next Friday, November 14. Neighbourly homes provide temporary, transitional spaces designed to offer safety, support, and dignity as individuals move toward permanent housing.

Designated earlier this year by Common Council, Green Zones are city-owned properties that provide transitional accommodations with essential wrap-around services. With this milestone, Thorne Avenue becomes the second operational site within the Green Zone framework, further proof that collaborative action leads to meaningful change.

Developed and operated by 12 Neighbours Inc., each Neighbourly Homes community features courtyard-style layouts with heated mini-units, shared facilities, on-site staffing, and access to critical services. The Thorne Avenue location includes two courtyards and accessible units. Founded by Marcel LeBrun, 12 Neighbours Inc. has been a leader in delivering stable, supportive housing solutions across New Brunswick.

“It’s more than the opening of a special community, it’s an affirmation of our city’s commitment to compassion, innovation, and action,” said Deputy Mayor John MacKenzie at today’s launch. “This site is a promise. A promise that in Saint John, we will continue to show up, stand together, and build a future where no one is left behind.”

Funding support for the initiative includes $3.5 million through the Unsheltered Homelessness and Encampments Initiative, secured from federal and provincial partners.