Wednesday, January 26, 2022 – NEWS RELEASE,
Everyone in Canada deserves a safe and affordable place to call home. Affordable housing is key to Canada’s pandemic recovery, especially for communities across the country, including in Calgary.
The Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of Housing and Diversity and Inclusion, alongside George Chahal, Member of Parliament for Calgary Skyview, the Honourable Josephine Pon, Minister of Seniors and Housing for Alberta, and Jyoti Gondek, Mayor of Calgary, today announced a federal investment of nearly $16.6 million to create up to 82 new affordable homes in Calgary through the Cities Stream under the expanded Rapid Housing Initiative (RHI), as well as $2 million through the Canada-Alberta Bilateral Housing agreement under the National Housing Strategy.
Located at 706 7th Avenue SW, the project will convert an existing office building into 82 residential homes for families and seniors in addition to emergency shelter space for those experiencing or are at risk of homelessness. HomeSpace, an affordable housing provider, and Inn from the Cold, an emergency shelter, will transform the space into a multi-family hub. Families in need will have access to shelter and support services, transitional housing, permanent supportive housing and services like childcare, all in one place.
Today’s announcement builds on the Government of Canada’s previous investment of $24.6 million through the first phase of the RHI to support the creation of 178 housing units in Calgary.
Quotes
“Every Canadian deserves a safe and affordable place to call home. Today’s funding will go a long way to support Calgarians who need it most by quickly providing 82 new affordable homes for those most vulnerable. This is one of the many ways our National Housing Strategy continues to ensure that no one is left behind.” – The Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of Housing and Diversity and Inclusion
“Homelessness is a reality for too many Calgarians, and we are working to ensure everyone in our community has a safe place to call home. This additional funding through the Rapid Housing Initiative will help our most vulnerable citizens and will make a difference in the ongoing work to end homelessness and ensure housing affordability in Alberta and across the country.” – George Chahal, Member of Parliament for Calgary Skyview
“All Calgarians deserve to be housed with dignity,” said Mayor Jyoti Gondek. “This project is an example of what we can accomplish to tackle the complex challenge of affordable housing by working together across all orders of government and with the non-profit sector. This project is another important step forward in bringing much-needed housing to Calgarians, and in adding vibrancy to our downtown by converting vacant office towers into residential units.”
“We commend the generous investment from every level of government in the future of Calgarians. Not only will these affordable homes transform the lives of people in need, but also help bring vitality back downtown. This vacant office tower will soon be a lively family hub, demonstrating that there’s hope for Calgary’s most vulnerable families and for the downtown core.” – Bernadette Majdell, HomeSpace Society
“We greatly appreciate the Government of Canada, the Government of Alberta and the City of Calgary for supporting us in breaking the cycle of family homelessness. We believe a community where no child or family is homeless is possible and this funding will help us to provide safe and affordable homes for families in our community for years to come.” – Heather Morley, Executive Director, Inn from the Cold
