Calgary,
26
June
2023
|
12:51
America/Denver

City of Calgary launches Indigenous Affordable Housing funding program

The City of Calgary is launching a new $6 million Indigenous Affordable Housing Funding Program (IAHFP) to increase the supply of affordable housing for Indigenous people in Calgary.

"One of the most important investments we can make for Calgary's future is in affordable housing," said Mayor Jyoti Gondek. “Given that nearly a third of the people experiencing homelessness in our city are Indigenous, this fund is critically needed and will go a long way in providing culturally appropriate housing options.”

Applications for the 2023 IAHFP will be accepted starting on National Truth and Reconciliation Day, September 30, until November 30, 2023. Prior to the application window opening, information sessions will be available to help groups who are interested in applying.  Details on the information sessions can be found on our website calgary.ca. Notification of successful applicants will occur in Q1 2024.  

“This funding is an important first step in our work to directly address the high need for affordable housing for Indigenous people,” says Tim Ward, Manager, Housing Solutions. “By providing this funding, we are supporting Indigenous people with their housing needs and making a meaningful commitment to reconciliation.”

The IAHFP is a one-time funding program for affordable housing that is owned, designed, and delivered for Indigenous people, by Indigenous people.

With the funding, The City aims to:

  • Reduce the number of Indigenous households in housing need
  • Increase the overall supply of affordable housing for Indigenous people in Calgary based on identified and verified needs within communities
  • Increase the number of Indigenous housing units that are culturally appropriate
  • Increase the supply of affordable housing units owned and operated for Indigenous and by Indigenous housing providers and organizations
  • Increase the capacity of Indigenous Governments and/or not for profit organizations to provide affordable housing

This funding program was co-developed between Housing Solutions team and Indigenous Relations Office at The City and demonstrates alignment with the Housing and Affordability Task Force’s third recommendation, to ensure that the supply of affordable housing meets the needs of Indigenous people living in Calgary. The task force was asked by Council to share recommendations for improving housing affordability and increasing access to affordable housing. The summary of six recommendations will now be used to revise the Corporate Affordable Housing Strategy that will be presented to Council in September 2023.

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About Housing Solutions
Housing Solutions is a division of the Partnerships business unit and the Community Services department of The City of Calgary. Housing Solutions creates and manages the Corporate Affordable Housing Strategy and works with partners, including the federal and provincial governments, non-profit agencies and private sector developers, to make affordable housing more readily available in our city.