New office complex sees Saint John poverty groups team up

Construction has begun on a $2.25 million office complex being built on a vacant lot in one of Saint John's poorest neighbourhoods.

It will be the new home for several of the city's agencies dedicated to fighting poverty.

Called the social enterprise hub, it not only collects several groups under one roof, it lets them team up to come up with new ideas and solutions.

The three-storey building will be at 139 Prince Edward Street, in the city's uptown.

The staff from the various non-profit groups can pool resources and tap each other's experiences for help.

The groups involved are well-known in the community, such as The Learning Exchange, which helps adults get their high school equivalency courses.

Also involved are the Community Loan Fund, the Saint John Human Development Council and the Ponde Deshpande Centre.

The shared spaces are the most exciting innovation in the building.

New businesses will be taking up the group floor, learning how to launch into the community.

The third floor will see the various non-profits all within quick reach of each other, hopefully combining to come up with innovative ideas faster, and in greater numbers.

The new building is expected to be completed next August.