The Rising Tide Community Initiative now has support from the provincial government.
Six million dollars over three years will be invested in the 125 unit housing project in Moncton, that will help support people in need and address homelessness.
Minister of Social Development Bruce Fitch says, “We know that many in our province are currently struggling with homelessness and lack of affordable housing. We know that if we truly want to build a vibrant sustainable community in New Brunswick, it is important, we need to work together to address this issue related to housing.”
Moncton Mayor Dawn Arnold couldn’t be any happier with the announcement, “Creating a housing entity like this, it’s a foundational step for Moncton. It’s hopeful news for people in our community who desperately need housing and the support services to keep them housed.”
Last month, Moncton City Council voted in favour of spending the same amount over three years. Today’s announcement from the provincial government is to match that.
Co-Founder of Rising Tide Dale Hicks says eight million dollars of the money will be used to purchase properties. The remainder will do towards other areas including staffing, property maintenance and case management.
The project also includes funding for the creation of up to seven community case managers, and each would serve about 15 clients.
Hicks adds this type of housing will help people successfully move from the street into a home.
The plan is to purchase about 20 properties in the city to achieve a 125 unit target, with a monthly unit rent cost of around $300. This will include amenities such as food, heat, lights, television and continuous case management. Each property will also have a peer-support person living on site to assist clients with moving forward.
Fitch adds, “Our announcement today is for the six million for the next three years and the sustainability part of it will continue to be worked on. I know it is an issue that will be ongoing so we will work with the city, the private sector city and hopefully the feds will be on board.”
Hicks says, “We opened a pretty big present here today. This is a present to the community at large. Rising Tide is excited about it, but it goes beyond that, it goes out to the community and to the non-profits that do the work and to the businesses community. It also goes out to the individuals out there who aren’t going to have that great Christmas this year, but maybe we can change some of that for the Christmas next year.”
Co-Founder Rising Tide Initiative Dale Hicks
(Photo: TDCB)
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