Affordable housing with youth programming opens in Forest Lawn

Calgary youth will find a home at Boreal Place with dedicated resources aimed at breaking the cycle of homelessness

 April 6, 2022, Calgary AB – After major renovations by HomeSpace, a 25-unit lodging house in Forest Lawn will open to youth in need. A recent study determined that just 15% of youth experiencing homelessness are using 48% of shelter resources in Calgary. This small population faces significant challenges, cycling between shelters, group homes, and the justice system. Trellis has crafted a program offering the care and specialized supports these youth need to thrive.“This ground-breaking collaboration is a turning point. Our new program will have such an impact for youth who have fallen through the cracks of our current systems. We’re grateful that after identifying this gap through our data, partners were open to looking at different solutions. The Boreal represents a new way of serving youth today that will have an impact for generations to come.” Jeff Dyer, Trellis Society CEO.HomeSpace is proud to add Boreal Place into its portfolio of affordable housing projects in Calgary, and delighted to work with Trellis Society to stabilize a group of local youth with safe, supportive housing. Despite supply chain challenges, HomeSpace was able to complete significant renovations in just 6 months to create a beautiful, dignified, safe space for its new residents.“It’s our mission to provide homes for Calgarians most in need,” says Bernadette Majdell, HomeSpace CEO. “We are committed to ensuring that these youth have low barrier access to affordable housing at The Boreal that will help transform their lives.”  The renovation of Boreal Place was made possible due to significant investment from The City of Calgary and the Canada Housing and Mortgage Corporation under the Rapid Housing Initiative. The CMHC contributed over $800,000 in development funding. The City of Calgary sold HomeSpace the property for $900,000 below market value plus committing over $50,000 in additional funding. These contributions allowed for the expedited renovation of the lodging house that was vacant and in disrepair.“All Calgarians, including young people facing homelessness, deserve a safe and affordable place to call home. The City was proud to partner with HomeSpace and our federal partners to create much-needed new homes. Congratulations to HomeSpace and Trellis on this opening!”  Jyoti Gondek, Mayor of Calgary.“The peace of mind that comes with having a secure and stable home is invaluable. Today’s announcement helps to ensure that youth in Calgary have a safe place to call home, and to build from. These developments are a result of great partnerships, coming together to respond to the housing need in our province. This is the Rapid Housing Initiative in action.” – George Chahal, Member of Parliament for Calgary Skyview.  About HomeSpace SocietyHomeSpace is a charitable developer, rental housing owner and property manager. HomeSpace provides safe, appropriate, and affordable housing for the most vulnerable Calgarians and owns a portfolio of more than 700 units in 24 communities across the city. For more information visit HomeSpace.orgAbout Trellis:Trellis Society is a Calgary-based social services agency that grew from the amalgamation of Boys & Girls Clubs of Calgary and Aspen Family & Community Network Society in 2020. Growing from a combined history of 117 years, the organization works with people of all ages and backgrounds to overcome barriers and reach their full potential. Trellis works to help young people flourish into adulthood, support families to thrive together and empower communities to mobilize around what matters to them.