Closer to Home to support Calgary families in 45 new affordable townhouse units in Seton
Opening spring 2023, families at risk of homelessness will find housing and wrap-around supports for a new start.
(Calgary, AB – November 15, 2022) – Closer to Home Community Services (Closer to Home) is the successful applicant for the Calgary Homeless Foundation’s latest proposal to provide case management and Family Resource Centre services to a new 45-unit affordable housing development in Seton.
Closer to Home has been contracted to provide recovery-oriented, place-based supportive housing to at-risk Calgary families. The program will be adaptive, timely, and responsive to meet the needs of unhoused families, from an individualized family-centred service approach to skill building for increased family resiliency and connecting families to community and cultural supports.
“Through this project, we are increasing our housing programs and services in close collaboration with HomeSpace to address Calgarians’ housing concerns,” says Closer to Home’s CEO, Karen Olivier. “This opportunity will allow us to work with more kids and families to ensure they can stay together while working towards positive and successful futures where they can thrive together.”
Built by affordable housing developer HomeSpace, in partnership with Brookfield Residential, the units will be fully occupied by the spring of 2023. We are thrilled to announce that this is Closer to Home’s first official partnership with HomeSpace – where HomeSpace is the building owner and manager, and Closer to Home is the service provider. Brookfield Residential generously donated $2.8M to the project via the Collaborative Capital Campaign, formerly known as RESOLVE, a collaboration of their local team and partners, raising an additional $150,000 at this year’s inaugural Brookfield Residential walk/run to support additional programming for residents.
Closer to Home anticipates a 95 per cent occupation rate year-round, with an average of 10 to 14-month stays. The townhouse units are comprised of 29 three-bedroom units (seven accessible), 11 two-bedroom units (two accessible), five accessible one-bedroom units, and Closer to Home’s Family Resource Centre. Each unit is 20 per cent below market rental value to ensure that all families have an opportunity for safe and affordable housing. The Calgary Homeless Foundation is the programming funder for this project and will refer families to Closer to Home based on need.
Quotes:
HomeSpace:
“We believe that Calgary families deserve safe, affordable, beautiful places to raise their children, and we couldn’t be more delighted to welcome them into their new townhouse units in Seton. We know that with support from Closer to Home and the generosity of our Brookfield Residential partners that they will be met with programs and support they need to thrive in a family-centred community.” Bernadette Majdell – CEO HomeSpace.
Calgary Homeless Foundation:
“Improving the quality of life for families with a recovery-oriented system of care is possible due to the support and collaboration between government, agencies, and the community. These partnerships enhance the lives of the people who will be living in Seton and is a great example of the community coming together in the fight against homelessness.” Patricia Jones – CEO Calgary Homeless Foundation.
Brookfield Residential:
“Affordable housing is an integral part of creating vibrant communities. We are excited that Closer to Home was selected to support and welcome families moving to Seton in 2023. In support of the project, Brookfield Residential’s team, partners, and friends raised $150,000 earlier this year for homelessness. The funds raised will be provided to Closer to Home to support programming that will enhance the quality of life for the families who will call this community home. Together, we are proud to bring affordable housing to Calgarians.” Alan Norris – Executive Chairman, Brookfield Residential
City of Calgary
“It takes a team of people to bring these visions of home to fruition. The efforts of HomeSpace continues to make real the dream of a safe, accessible, and affordable home for Calgarians is worthy of all of our gratitude and admiration. Together, we can make even more space for people to call home.” – Courtney Walcott, Councillor, Ward 8
“I am extremely encouraged to witness and learn about the diverse support for the Home Space project in my Ward. This is an amazing example of what can happen when The City partners with the larger community to advance meaningful work. Thank you Home Space for your leadership and service!” – Evan Spencer, Councillor, Ward 12
