Government of Canada to Build Transition Housing for Women in Calgary

Logo: Government of Canada (CNW Group/Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation)

Logo: Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) (CNW Group/Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation)

Projects mark the start of new funding from the new Co-Investment Fund

CALGARY, Jan. 22, 2019 /CNW/ - Every Canadian deserves a safe and affordable place to call home. That is why, in May 2018, the Government launched the National Housing Co-Investment Fund (NHCF), the largest program of its kind in Canadian history.

Today in Calgary, the Honourable Kent Hehr, Member of Parliament of Calgary Centre, on behalf of the Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development and Minister responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), announced a federal government financial commitment for three projects valued at $27.6 million including over $4.74 million for the construction of 100 units at the YW Calgary Hub facility located in the community of Inglewood, in central Calgary.

Thanks to this commitment by the NHCF, a pillar initiative of the National Housing Strategy (NHS), and to the investments of other partners, notably Infrastructure Canada, the Alberta Ministry of Senoirs and Housing and the City of Calgary, this project by the YW Calgary will provide shelter and transitional housing for 100 women experiencing domestic abuse, poverty and homelessness. In addition, the non residential space will be used to offer programs and services to the clients as well as the community. The new YW Hub facility will be both public and private, secure and open; an active community hub and a quiet sanctuary.

Quotes

"Through the National Housing Strategy, our Government is providing assistance to those who need it most here in Calgary and in all corners of the country. That is why, at least 25% of the NHS will support projects specifically targeting the unique needs of women and girls. Projects like the YW Calgary Hub facility will provide more than just safe and affordable places to live, they are key to a better life for the residents who will call them home. Investing in housing is investing in our future - it's good for the well-being of our families, our communities and our country as a whole." – The Honourable Kent Hehr, Member of Parliament for Calgary Centre

"YW Calgary has been working with women and families to help them build brighter futures in the community for more than 100 years. This investment by the Government of Canada in the YW Hub facility will help provide supportive and safe accommodations for 100 vulnerable women in Calgary. The new facility will have dignified, accessible spaces for women and families to grow and heal in community." – Sue Tomney, Chief Executive Officer, YW Calgary

Quick Facts

• With it's new building the YW Calgary aims to achieve energy savings and a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.
• All units and common areas of the building will be accessible through universal design and 20 units will be fully accessible.
• The YW Calgary is a women-led charitable organization involved in meeting the needs of women and girls since 1910. The organisation offers a wide range of services and programs including health and wellbeing, children's services, the provision of shelter and transitional housing for women and their children, employment and training programs that increase economic opportunities for women, and supports for persons with developmental disabilities.
• With a budget of $13.2 billion, NHCF gives priority to projects that help those in greatest need, including women and children fleeing family violence, seniors, Indigenous peoples, people with disabilities, those dealing with mental health and addictions, Veterans and young adults.
• Through the NHCF, the Government of Canada will work with partners to build up to 60,000 new affordable homes and repair up to 240,000 existing affordable and community homes over the next 10 years.
• Investments are also planned in the NHCF to create or repair at least 4,000 shelter spaces for victims of family violence and create at least 7,000 new affordable housing units for seniors and 2,400 new affordable housing units for people with developmental disabilities.
• Under the Investing in Canada plan, the Government of Canada is investing more than $180 billion over 12 years in public transit projects, green infrastructure, social infrastructure, trade and transportation routes, and Canada's rural and northern communities.

Associated Links

• As Canada's authority on housing, CMHC contributes to the stability of the housing market and financial system, provides support for Canadians in housing need, and offers unbiased housing research and advice to all levels of Canadian government, consumers and the housing industry. For more information, visit our website or follow us on Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook.
• To find out more about the National Housing Strategy, visit www.placetocallhome.ca.

SOURCE Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation

For further information: Valérie Glazer, Press secretary, Office of the Minister of Families, Children and Social Development, 613-220-1841, [e-mail]; Leonard Catling, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, 604-787-1787, [e-mail]

Related Links

www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca