Calgary: The Government of Canada provided $7.6 million in funding to support HomeSpace Society with the construction of 51 affordable housing units in Downtown Calgary.
Geared towards vulnerable and low-income people, the project offers social services & supports and residents will begin their phased move-ins in this month.
This funding helped build bachelor and one-bedroom units for low-income supportive housing for vulnerable people and low-income individuals. All residents will be provided with social supports, through partnerships with several social service agencies in order to ensure success in HomeSpace Society’s housing strategy.
HomeSpace Society currently operates in 31 other buildings, with 850+ of Calgary’s most vulnerable citizens. This funding is delivered through CMHC’s National Housing CoInvestment Fund (NHCF), which supports new and revitalization construction of mixed-income, mixedtenure, and mixed-use affordable housing. The NHCF is a key pillar of the Government of Canada’s National Housing Strategy (NHS).
In Budget 2021, $750 million in NHCF funding is being made available in 2021 – 22 and 2022 – 23. This will accelerate the creation of 3,400 new units, and the repair of 13,700 units.
Ahmed Hussen, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development and Minister responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), said: “I’m proud that through the National Housing Strategy, our government is investing in these units of affordable housing for residents of Calgary seeking safe, affordable housing options that meet their needs. This is the National Housing Strategy at work.””
Jim Carr, Special Representative for the Prairies, said: “Partnerships with organizations such as HomeSpace Society who are on the front lines of this importance work are what makes projects like these possible. “The construction of these housing units in Downtown Calgary is an important step to recovery and to building stronger more resilient communities in the long run.””
Bernadette Majdell, CEO, HomeSpace, added: “Collaboration with private and public sectors is critical for HomeSpace in developing and managing supportive, affordable housing for individuals and families in need.””