Virtual groundbreaking marks start of construction on affordable, permanent supportive housing for homeless and vulnerable Calgarians

Made possible thanks to joint funding through the Government of Canada (Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation) and the Government of Alberta, Calbridge Homes, the City of Calgary, and other generous donors.

Calgary, Alberta (January 24, 2019) – The Calgary Homeless Foundation (CHF), HomeSpace Society, Calbridge Homes and the RESOLVE Campaign are celebrating the groundbreaking of their latest building in Forest Lawn. Due to the critical shortage of permanent housing with supports, this is another step towards ending homelessness in Calgary. This marks the eighth new permanent supportive housing development to be constructed for the Calgary Homeless Foundation and its housing collaborator HomeSpace Society, through the RESOLVE Campaign.

“Calbridge Homes is grateful to be in a position to be able to give back to people in need, particularly at this time in our economy here in Alberta. RESOLVE is the biggest donation we have ever done and it could not be a more worthy cause. We are looking forward to seeing how this building and the RESOLVE campaign continue to combat homelessness in this city,” said Bev Higham-Linehan, President and CEO, Calbridge Homes.

This building will feature three barrier-free units, and will provide urgently needed affordable, permanent supportive housing to 38 homeless and vulnerable Calgarians. The building was made possible with joint funding through the Government of Canada (Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation) and the Government of Alberta, Calbridge Homes’ commitment of up to $1.4 million through the RESOLVE Campaign and a land disposition from the City of Calgary as well as a contribution through its Housing Incentive Program.

“HomeSpace Society is proud to partner with Calbridge for this build, which will be our largest new permanent supportive housing development to date," says Bernadette Majdell, CEO, HomeSpace Society. "As a non-market property developer and building manager, our strong community partnerships are critical for the work that we do in continually adding to the affordable housing stock in our city and providing homes and dignity to some of Calgary's most vulnerable residents."

This building is the eighth to break ground in a series of purpose-built apartment buildings that will be constructed by Calgary home builders who have each committed to constructing a building for CHF through the RESOLVE Campaign.

“Thanks to the commitment of government, Calbridge Homes and other philanthropic donors to the RESOLVE Campaign, 38 homeless and vulnerable Calgarians will soon have access to permanent supportive housing where they can begin to rebuild their lives,” said Alan Norris, Chairman and CEO, Brookfield Residential Properties and Chair of the RESOLVE Campaign. “We have made great strides, thanks to the generous donors to the Campaign, to ensure all Calgarians have a place to call home. Although the RESOLVE Campaign’s sunset date was March 31, 2018, the legacy of the Campaign will live on. Thank you to all those who have committed their support by making a long-term commitment to the future of our community. Our generous donors have made it possible to continue to open doors to urgently needed buildings, like this development in Forest Lawn.”

A request for proposals will take place to select an organization to develop and implement a low-barrier program for those individuals experiencing homelessness, and provide 24 hour on-site resident support services. The request will be awarded by CHF.

“This collaboration between government, the Calgary Homeless Foundation, HomeSpace Society, Calbridge Homes and the RESOLVE Campaign is a tangible proof that homelessness can end when we intentionally choose to work together” said Diana Krecsy, President and CEO of Calgary Homeless Foundation. “This building will offer 38 individuals who are experiencing homelessness with a place to call home and a place of belonging from which to build a better future.”

The building name, chosen by the Calbridge Homes team, will be revealed at the end of the formal program.

The building’s estimated completion date is Feb. 2020.

The virtual groundbreaking video can be accessed by visiting: https://bit.ly/2FUp8VI