Work is advancing on a convalescent care project in uptown Saint John.
Horizon Health Network announced in a social media post on Tuesday that the modular housing units are now being installed at the Waterloo Street site.
The facility is being developed to support patients who are discharged from the hospital but do not have a safe place to recover.
Horizon is leading the initiative in partnership with Outflow Ministry, the Canada East Spine Centre, the St. Joseph’s Hospital Foundation, the Saint John Regional Hospital Foundation and the Department of Health.
Horizon said the Coverdale Centre for Women has also joined the project.
The six single‑occupancy units are designed for short‑term stays of up to six months, according to Horizon.
Patients will have private space during recovery before moving on to permanent housing or a shelter bed if needed.
The project is intended to reduce repeat hospital visits and free up health care resources.
Research cited by the organization showed that from 2020 to 2023, 50 patients experiencing homelessness accounted for 885 emergency department visits, 205 acute admissions and 64 readmissions, adding up to more than 6,000 hospital days.
The facility is expected to support between 12 and 18 people each year once it opens. Horizon said it plans to welcome the first clients in early 2026.
