The United Way Maritimes has selected two local organisations to deliver supports and property management for a new 70-unit supportive housing community on Saint John’s east side, a step officials say is intended to pair stable shelter with ongoing, voluntary services aimed at helping residents regain housing stability and community connections.
Partners and roles
United Way Maritimes named 12 Neighbours as the service provider that will deliver 24-7 on-site wraparound supports to residents, and Housing Alternatives as the organisation responsible for property maintenance at the Sunnyside Community.
| Organisation | Primary role |
|---|---|
| 12 Neighbours | On-site wraparound supports (24-7) |
| Housing Alternatives | Property maintenance |
United Way Maritimes said the Sunnyside Community will provide housing for people experiencing homelessness and that supports will be tailored to the needs of individual residents rather than applied as a one-size-fits-all model.
What supports will look like
According to the United Way, 12 Neighbours will offer voluntary services and connections intended to help residents in several areas:
- employment and education;
- health and wellness;
- financial stability and life skills;
- community connections.
The organisation’s model prioritises relationship-building and recognition that people’s circumstances and goals vary. The stated aim is to help residents “thrive” by combining housing with targeted supports.
“Providing a safe, affordable place to live is foundational, but we know that housing alone doesn’t address all of the barriers people may be facing,” said Sue LaPierre, vice-president of housing for United Way Maritimes.
Marcel LeBrun, founder of 12 Neighbours, told United Way partners that his organisation is committed to Saint John and motivated to be part of Sunnyside’s work.
“United Way Maritimes and 12 Neighbours share a deep belief in pairing housing with the relationships, supports, and sense of community that help people thrive,” he said.
Local implications and context
The Sunnyside Community is located on the east side of Saint John and will contain 70 units intended for people experiencing homelessness. In both municipal and provincial debates, housing with embedded supports has been presented as an approach to reduce chronic homelessness, prevent frequent use of emergency services, and improve outcomes for people who face multiple barriers.
By appointing a dedicated on-site service provider and a separate maintenance partner, United Way Maritimes has signalled a two-pronged approach: combine social supports with property-management expertise. Housing Alternatives’ role in maintenance reflects that distinction; the organisation’s chief executive, Dustin Leclerc, said his company is proud to contribute its expertise to the affordable housing sector.
For residents and service providers in Saint John, the effect of Sunnyside will depend on how well supports are matched to residents’ individual circumstances and how quickly linkages to community services, employment and health care are established. The United Way’s announcement emphasised voluntary participation in supports, recognising that coercive models can undermine trust and long-term stability.
Next steps and information
Details on the timeline for occupancy, referral and intake processes, or how the project will be coordinated with other local housing and health initiatives were not included in the announcement. United Way Maritimes and the named partners are expected to provide further information as the project progresses.
Supportive housing initiatives have been a central part of local discussions about homelessness and affordable housing. For Saint John, the Sunnyside Community represents a significant, targeted investment in combining physical shelter with continuous support services — an approach advocates say can reduce barriers to housing retention and improve quality of life for people exiting homelessness.
