A transitional housing project to help women in Saint John experiencing homelessness is on track to open in late fall.

The 12-unit Rose House, a project of the Coverdale Centre for Women, received more than $3 million in government funding.

Construction began in June with the building set to open in November.

Executive Director Mary Saulnier-Taylor said the ultimate goal is to have the women transition out of the home on their own.

“We’ve seen, and as most of our community knows, there’s not enough affordable rental spaces for people to transition to even when they are ready to transition to,” Saulnier-Taylor said.

“We are working with the women based on their needs and if they are still with us in two years, they are still with us in two years. If they don’t have a safe place or they are not ready to move forward, we’ll continue to work with them.”

Saulnier-Taylor said the residents of Rose House will have all their needs met in terms of furniture etc.

“Seven of the units are currently funded. We have five more. $5,000 donation to buy everything to set the units up for the women,” Saulnier-Taylor said.

The Sisters of Charity and CLOW Canada are some of those who donated to cover the expenses of the housing units.

Plaques will be displayed in the units so the women know who in the community supported the project.

Women who want to live at Rose House can begin applying in September for a spot. In addition to safe housing, the residents will also be provided with wraparound services.

Saulnier-Taylor said they have a program facilitator who will be assisting with some of the community programming.

She adds peer mentoring is very important for the women they work with.

“So they feel respected and they are comfortable with somebody in the building to answer any of their needs when a staff member may not be around. We are also looking for a house coordinator in the fall. Any new project will have challenges. We’re going to have as much support as possible in place,” Saulnier-Taylor said.

On assignment in Waterloo Village. pic.twitter.com/SEA36ZUWi0

— Tamara Steele (@tamarasteele1) August 22, 2022