The federal government is investing about $11 million in three social and affordable housing projects for disadvantaged women in St. John’s.

The projects contain about 35 residential units operated by non-profit groups Stella’s Circle and Choices for Youth. Ottawa is providing the funds through the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation’s Rapid Housing Initiative cities stream.

In some cases, the Newfoundland and Labrador government, City of St. John’s and non-profit groups have also invested.

Some of the federal funds will support groups that assist women dealing with homelessness, fleeing domestic abuse and rebounding from prior brushes with the criminal justice system. Other federal money will fund developments aiding at-risk and young pregnant and parenting mothers between the ages of 16 and 29.

The projects include a 15-unit complex that includes six homes built through the renovation of a former office building and nine units constructed through a new extension of it. Ottawa also contributed to the development of six completed and operating homes and the completed and fully occupied Young Parents Centre.