A new affordable housing unit sprouting up on Cashin Avenue in St. John’s goes much further than just a construction project.
The 5-unit house is a social enterprise project spearheaded by Choices For Youth and Impact Construction, a social enterprise construction company that trains and employs people ages 16 to 29.
The units will be specifically for pregnant and parenting young mothers.
The project is not only special because it’s providing young mothers and families with affordable housing, but because the young people working on it are gaining meaningful work experience.
Choices for Youth spokesperson, Chelsey MacNeil, says it’s a learning opportunity for young people to get experience and exposure to the trades.
She says they recruited a group of young people and trained them in everything from first-aid to fall arrest and tool-safety.
They gave them the skills and certifications that they need to work on a job site, and matched them with skilled trades people to further develop their skills, with the hope of being able to go into the private-market and get jobs in the trades, or potentially go back to school.
MacNeil says not only does the project allow for young people to have meaningful employment for eight or nine months, it also has a lasting impact on the community by providing housing for those who need it. And it goes even further.
She says they’re working together and developing communication skills while receiving wrap-around supports to help with any barriers impacting their ability to get to work, such as mental health or housing challenges.
They are able to give employment, wrap supports around young people and have them empowered to meet their goals.
Construction is right on schedule, and the housing unit is expected to be complete with families inside by Christmas.