A 38-unit affordable housing project in Saint John’s south end has received final approval from council.
Kaleidoscope Social Impact applied to rezone land behind the former St. John the Baptist Church.
The non-profit plans to construct a four-storey building at the corner of Broad Street and Broadview Avenue.
Seth Asimakos, general manager and co-founder of Kaleidoscope, said the main target tenant is mothers with children.
“Specifically transitioning from addictions, getting their children back and being able to have a stable, supportive and affordable place to live,” Asimakos told council during a recent public hearing.
The hope is to have an organization take over the church rectory and provide support services to the women, he said.
Asimakos said the building would have 20 two-bedroom and three-bedroom units. The remaining 18 units would be one-bedroom or bachelors.
Kaleidoscope is also working to redevelop the former church into a creative hub with groups like Brilliant Labs, the IDEA Centre and artists.
Work on that part of the project has already begun, said Asimakos.