A new housing project on Forest Hill Road in Fredericton is nearing completion, with some residents already settling into their new accommodations. The Neighbourly Homes initiative, led by the non-profit organization 12 Neighbours, will feature two separate courtyards housing a total of 27 individual units.
Marcel LeBrun, the founder of 12 Neighbours and the driving force behind the Neighbourly Homes project, mentioned that 13 individuals have moved into the first courtyard, while the remaining 14-unit courtyard is still under construction. Residents at this project will have their own modular units equipped with essential amenities such as a bed, desk, power, internet, and a secure door.
Distinct from LeBrun’s 12 Neighbours community, the Forest Hill Road project offers communal services including shared bathrooms, showers, and a common kitchen area with storage and laundry facilities. The aim is to provide residents with a sense of ownership over their living spaces, allowing them to come and go freely without strict regulations.
In addition to accommodation, residents will receive daily meal deliveries, access to support programs, and transportation assistance. The project also offers addiction and general counseling services, in collaboration with the Horizon Health mobile team, on an optional basis.
Residents are encouraged to adhere to a “good neighbor policy” to promote a respectful living environment. The project has been well-received in its early days, with site manager Mike Sewell reporting a smooth transition for residents as they settle into their new homes.
The selection process for residents involved coordination with the province’s social development access system and input from organizations like the John Howard Society. Individuals chosen for the program are transitioning from homelessness, temporary shelters, or unstable housing situations.
While the project faced initial criticism for lack of community consultation, LeBrun expressed that no opposition has been encountered since residents moved in. He emphasized the importance of community acceptance and hopes for ongoing support and collaboration to ensure the project’s success and residents’ well-being.