8 micro-houses could be ready for homeless in Fredericton next spring

A group trying to end chronic homelessness in Fredericton has raised enough money to put upeight micro-houses next spring.

Housing First is now working with the city and private developers to figure out where to put the one-bedroom modular houses.

Location iscritical, said Jason LeJeune, chairman of fundraising for the group, which hopes to find land of "low valueor no value in the community."

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Occupants of the homes would need to have easy access to public transit, health services and government services, he said.

"They're meant to serve the most vulnerable citizens of the Fredericton community," he said of the homes.

The group has raised about$300,000 to build the first eight homes, which are designed to help people make a transition from the shelter system.

Eventually, Housing Firsthopes to raise $1.4 million to build 40 micro-homes over three years.

Looking at 4 areas

LeJeunesaid the group is talking with the city and developers about donating parcels of land, also known asremnant lots, for some of the homes.Two areas have already been identified on the north side and two on the south side.

He said there be no time limit on how long people can stay in the units, which will be owned by nonprofit organizations already serving homeless people.

"Housing First seeks to transition chronically and episodically homeless people out of the homeless shelter system, into a permanently supported house," he said.

People would move into a house based on the recommendations ofa steering committee orshelter.

LeJeunesaid the homes will be durable and made with high-quality materials. Maintenance costs will be low,and the homes built to high efficiency standards to keep utility costs down.

City puts in $110,000

In an emailed statement toCBCNews, Mayor Mike O'Brien said the project needs some donated or low-cost land for the units, which would probably be put up in clusters.

"The Mayors Task Force on Homelessness did identify a few remnant parcels of city-owned land that would suffice for a few units, but to eventually place 40 units in total, more privately owned land parcels will be required," he said.

"Like all affordable or subsidized housing and rental units, the land locations must be near core services, such as transit, a grocery store and medical clinic."

Earlier this week, the city said it would contributeclose to $110,000 over three years to buildthree units, whichLeJeunecalleda social investment on behalf of the most vulnerable in the city.

More work to be done

In an interview Thursday,Coun. BruceGrandysaid he supports the micro-housingapproach and feels municipalities have an important role to play in ending homelessness.

But he said both the province and federal government need to allow municipalities to work with them, so everyone understands their role in eradicating homelessness.

"If they want us to be part ofworking with them to solve homelessness and solve these issues, we need better dialogue, we need betterpolicy with the provincial and federal governments and allow federal governments to work with municipalities in providing more affordable housing for those in need."