The results are in and throughout 2022, we saw a 105% increase in families served across our programs. Our prevention and diversion, emergency shelter and supportive housing programs supported 1,427 families, significantly increasing from the 673 families served in 2021.
The challenging housing market, with rents in Calgary increasing by an average of 22.6% and inflation in Alberta at 6.5%, meant we saw an even greater number of families reaching out for support. Our services saw a 71% increase in inquiries from 2021 and a 234% increase in families who cited unaffordable rent as the reason for their call for help.
With a limited supply of affordable housing and high rents, many families struggled to find stable homes. Our shelter saw an average of 17 families each day, up from 11 families in 2021, with a longer average stay of 60 days compared to 47 days the previous year. With more families accessing shelter, we saw a 52% increase in the number of meals served. If we combine this with a 7% increase in food costs, we find our budget stretched thin.
However, there is a silver lining! We are proud to have helped 619 family members find new, stable housing. This past year we were also able to expand our program offerings. With Neoma’s opening, we now have access to 24 affordable housing units for families in need. Thanks to funding from a generous donor, we reopened Journey House, our 10-unit apartment building for families. That’s 34 new affordable housing units for families in Calgary! We are excited to expand our program offerings across the housing continuum to better serve families where ever they may be on their housing journey.
None of this would be possible without the support of our generous donors and volunteers. We are grateful to be able to serve families in their time of greatest need and could not have done so without your help. Thank you for joining us in our mission to end family homelessness. Together, we are transforming lives.
