Courtesy John Howard Society and Visions United Church
Before the brunt of winter, construction is expected to start on a new $3.2 million dollar project with affordable apartments and community spaces on Joyce Avenue in Moncton.
The John Howard Society of Southeastern New Brunswick and Visions United Church are partners in the two-storey complex being called a “Community Hub”.
The building will also have ten office spaces for non-profit groups and a multi-purpose room which will become home base for the church.
John Howard Society executive director Joanne Murray says this is a new concept for the province and residents have lots of questions.
“There was misinformation being circulated about it being a halfway house. So we’ve answered all of those questions and I think we’ve been really clear with the community about what we are… and what we definitely aren’t is a halfway house,” she notes.
Murray says adult single males are the largest group needing affordable housing and the 20 apartments will be for men.
She says the City of Moncton has been very supportive providing a grant to cover some costs and funding is also being sought from the federal and provincial governments.
Neighbourhood residents are being encouraged to give their ideas on what they want in the “Community Hub”.
Another public information session is planned for November 25 at the Centre Pere-Patrice-LeBlanc, 91 Murphy Avenue, starting at 6:30pm.
