“Our housing for the homeless grant program leverages local expertise and dollars, allowing the province to stretch taxpayers’ dollars and build more homes for less,” said Minister of Housing and Urban Affairs, Jonathan Denis.  “These 10 organizations are doing much more than providing housing -- they are helping vulnerable Calgarians transition to healthy, independent living.”

Some of the 297 housing units are being constructed from the ground up while others are being purchased throughout the city.  This balanced approach allows for some units to be made available quickly.  Other units will come on stream later. In all cases, residents will be provided with targeted supports and services they need to address the underlying causes of their homelessness.   

“The cure for homelessness is housing,” says Tim Richter, President and CEO of the Calgary Homeless Foundation. “Today’s announcement is the beginning of the end of homelessness for hundreds of Calgarians and long term savings for Alberta taxpayers.”

Municipalities, not-for-profit organizations and private sector companies were invited to submit proposals for capital projects last spring under Alberta’s $100-million Housing for the Homeless Request for Proposals (RFP) process.  A total of 433 housing units for Calgary’s homeless are being supported under the 2009/2010 RFP, for a total investment by the Alberta government in the Calgary area of more than $47 million.  More than 900 units are being supported across the province under this program.

“To be able to continue to address the plight of homelessness in our city in such a concrete manner is exciting for all of us who received funding,” said James Moore, Executive Director of the Calgary Dream Centre, speaking on behalf of the 10 organizations.  “We appreciate the ongoing commitment of the Alberta government towards housing for homeless people.”

In March 2009, Alberta became the first Canadian province to endorse a provincial 10-year plan to end homelessness.  In 2010/2011, the Government of Alberta will continue to move forward on its 10-year homeless plan.

Budget 2010 reconfirmed the province’s support for the 10-year provincial homeless plan.  A second $100-million RFP for housing for the homeless will be issued in the new fiscal year.  Alberta is also providing $42 million in funding for supports and services needed to address the underlying causes of homelessness and support client transition to independence.  For more information on A Plan for Alberta: Ending Homelessness in 10 years, visit www.housing.alberta.ca.

The Alberta government has a clear plan for a strong economic recovery.  An important part of The Way Forward is maintaining support for programs and services Albertans need most, such as health care, education and safe and vibrant communities.  For more information on the plan, visit www.Alberta.ca.

Backgrounder: For a summary of the "Housing for the Homeless" projects in the Calgary area, please visit http://alberta.ca/ACN/201005/2831573FEA3D7-BE06-BCBD-5598541D1EF87426.html  

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