The New Brunswick government is investing $480,000 to create jobs and training opportunities for up to 12 journeypersons and 24 apprentices while supporting the development of an emergency housing facility for homeless and at-risk youth.
The project will provide apprentices with employment and the opportunity to complete required hours in order to achieve journeyperson certification.John Flood and Sons, a local general contracting company, will oversee the project in partnership with Safe Harbour Transitional Youth Services’ board of directors.
The New Brunswick Building and Construction Trades Council will provide mentorship training to the journeypersons and apprentices employed on the project.
The proposed 10-bed facility and transitional youth services program, called Safe Harbour, constitutes the missing piece in the ability of stakeholders in southern New Brunswick to respond effectively to youth homelessness. It will fill the gap between life on the streets and being rapidly re-housed.
The Anglican Diocese of Fredericton has donated the land for the facility, which will be built on the site of the former St. James Anglican Church in the south end of Saint John.Demolition of the old church began in December.
The construction of the new facility is expected to be completed by the end of June.
The Saint John Construction Association and the Saint John Mechanical Contractors Association each contributed $100,000 to the community project.
