MEDIA RELEASE: Non-profit affordable housing developer continues to fight homelessness in Calgary

February 20, 2020 – Calgary, AB – HomeSpace Society (HomeSpace) is breaking ground on a 51-unit affordable housing development in Calgary’s Beltline neighbourhood that marks their first independent affordable housing construction build since the RESOLVE campaign concluded nearly two years ago.Born out of Calgary’s 10-year Plan to End Homelessness, the RESOLVE campaign brought together agencies, private donors and government to build desperately needed affordable housing. RESOLVE spurred the construction of nearly 2,000 new homes across the city. HomeSpace, a local affordable housing provider, recognizes that this important work must continue.There are nearly 3,000 Calgarians experiencing homelessness and thousands more at risk. Calgary is short an estimated 15,000 affordable homes to meet the demand.“Despite, and because of, economic and political uncertainty, HomeSpace is committed to housing Calgarians,” says Bernadette Majdell, CEO, HomeSpace. “Today’s ground-breaking is a significant step in putting a roof over more than 50 Calgarians’ heads. Calgarians experiencing homelessness, or just one paycheque away from it, are no different than you or me — they’re moms and dads, brothers and sisters, sons and daughters.”Studies have shown that housing people costs less than homelessness. When people are housed, we see an average 41 per cent reduction in the use of public systems our tax dollars pay for, such as emergency rooms or the justice system.“Affordable housing is not only the right thing to do, it makes economic sense,” says Majdell. “It’s exciting to think that next year, more than 50 Calgarians will call this Beltline building home.”Suzanne Cadieux spent one year experiencing homelessness in Calgary prior to 2013 when she moved into an affordable apartment building owned and operated by HomeSpace.“The biggest thing is affordable housing provides a place of stability and safety. From there, you can begin to work on rebuilding other aspects of your life,” says Cadieux. “Housing is important to end homelessness and I support this development of 51 new homes for people like me.”Including Beltline, HomeSpace has four buildings in various stages of development. By this time next year, HomeSpace will have created new homes for nearly 200 Calgarians in need. Already, more than 700 Calgarians live in 27 HomeSpace apartment buildings in 22 communities across Calgary.-30-About HomeSpace SocietyHomeSpace is a charitable real estate developer, rental housing owner and property manager. We provide safe, appropriate and affordable housing for the most vulnerable Calgarians, and own a portfolio of more than 550 units of housing throughout Calgary. We partner with 16 social serving community agencies to provide supports to the more than 700 residents in our 27 buildings. We have completed construction on seven buildings in the last few years and currently have five more buildings in various stages of development. We have a strong growth mandate to continue to add affordable housing in our city. For more information, visit HomeSpace.orgContactHayley GislasonCommunications AdvisorHomeSpace SocietyD: 587.320.1545 C: 403 991 5852Hayley@HomeSpace.org