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On November 1, the Government of Alberta released Stronger Foundations: Alberta’s 10-year strategy to improve and expand affordable housing.

Key highlights of the announcement from the government that may be of interest to residents:

Over the next 10 years, the province will take bold action to build an affordable housing system that is flexible and adaptable to local needs, fair, inclusive and sustainable, and provide more affordable housing options that meet the needs of Albertans with low income. The strategy outlines how the province has set a target to serve 82,000 households – an increase of more than 40 per cent over 10 years – through five key action areas:

• • Support Albertans most in need,
  • Improve access,
  • Increase governance and planning,
  • Enhance sustainability and efficiency, and
  • Enable growth and investment.

Of special note for residents, actions under the strategy intend to make it simpler for residents to access and navigate housing supports, and make sure there are more options and more flexibility in how residents meet their individual needs. This includes helping residents improve their personal situations as they work toward housing independence where possible.

Initiatives that may be of interest to residents include:

• • The Government of Alberta will make it easier for Albertans to find housing options, understand the eligibility criteria, and connect with a housing provider. This includes continued investment in the Find Housing online tool and making the eligibility rules more fair for everyone.
  • The government will work with housing providers to provide local housing solutions to meet a range of needs – from the most vulnerable households to those with more moderate needs.
  • Mixed-income housing approaches will be the focus in planning for new developments. Mixed-income housing lets residents pay rent at a price that makes sense for their individual situations. Instead of moving if their finances change, they can simply pay an adjusted price.
  • The government plans to expand its redesigned Rent Supplement Program. Through that program, tenants can use the benefit to afford market units if they choose, so they aren’t limited to designated affordable housing units.

The Government of Alberta stated they “will proceed thoughtfully and carefully and will continue to protect the most vulnerable to ensure they are not left behind”.

You can learn more about the strategy online at: alberta.ca/stronger-foundations-affordable-housing-strategy.aspx.

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The post Government of Alberta Releases “Stronger Foundations” Affordable Housing Strategy appeared first on Calgary Housing.

Following a review, the Government of Alberta has re-designed its Rent Supplement Programs.

The new programs – Rent Assistance Benefit and Temporary Rent Assistance Benefit were announced by the province earlier this year and applications are now open through Calgary Housing Company. The Rent Assistance Benefit opened for applications on April 1. The Temporary Rent Assistance Benefit opened for applications on May 1.

The Private Landlord Rent Supplement (PLRS) program remains closed and is not accepting any new applications.

Rent Assistance Benefit (formerly Direct to tenant Rent Supplement)

The Rent Assistance Benefit is a long-term benefit available to subsidize the rent for Albertans with low income.

Benefit features:

• paid directly to tenants
• available through most housing management bodies across Alberta
• households are eligible if they are below local income thresholds
• amount is calculated based on household income and local market rent
• households are prioritized based on need
• may be renewed annually
• no limit to benefit renewals if eligible

Temporary Rent Assistance Benefit

The Temporary Rent Assistance Benefit provides a modest subsidy for working households with low income or those between jobs. Support is intended to help eligible tenants afford their rent while they stabilize or improve their situation.

Benefit features:

• paid directly to tenants
• available in Calgary, Edmonton, Fort McMurray, Grande Prairie, Lethbridge, Medicine Hat and Red Deer
• households are eligible if they are employed or have been employed in the last 24 months and are not receiving Income Supports,
• amount calculated based on household size and location – will be reduced in the second year
• two-year limit with eligibility reassessed after the first year
• households are served off of CHC’s pre-qualification list
• households can reapply for rent assistance at the end of 2 years

For more information on eligibility or to apply for these programs, please visit the Rent Assistance Section on our website.

The post New Rent Assistance Programs appeared first on Calgary Housing.

CHC offices remain closed to the public but there are lots of ways you can reach us!

If you have received a rent review or other documents that you need to submit to us, you can send them to the email address or mailing address provided with the forms or email them to chccustomerservice@calgary.ca. Check out other things you can do without having to come into the office, information on who to contact when, and also see below for tips on scanning documents with your smartphone and paying your rent online.

If you cannot email or mail your documents, you may deposit them in the drop box at one of our District Offices.

Services available electronically

Digital Tenant Services

Tenants can access the following services without having to visit in person.

• Sign lease renewals using our secure e-signing system.
• Pay your rent electronically through your bank’s bill payment system.
• Email your Annual Rent Review to your Account Administrator using the email address on the form.
• Use the secure drop box at our East and South locations to drop off other forms.
• Schedule an appointment for a phone meetings to address any needs you have that cannot be met online.

Digital Applicant Services

Applicants can access the following services without having to visit in person.

• Use our PDF Application Form page. Complete it digitally and email it to customer service at  chccustomerservice@calgary.ca.
• We have electronic lease signing services so you can sign your lease digitally.
• Call our Customer Service line at (587) 390-1200 for an appointment to answer your questions or help with your application form.

How to Reach Us

Who to call when

Knowing who to call when you have a question on concern means you can get to the right person to deal with your question or concerns quickly, without waiting on hold with our Customer Service line. Keep your Calgary Housing Company representative’s contact information somewhere handy or easy to reference.

• Call your Property Manager (PM) for things like:

  • Eligibility for housing or adding/removing someone to/from your lease.
  • Ending your lease or signing a new one.
  • Scheduling an appointment for a move out inspection.
  • Asking about an eviction notice or court papers.
  • For information on how to arrange a rent payment.
  • Reporting concerns about the maintenance of your property or request an inspection of maintenance work completed in your unit.
  • Reporting any criminal behavior or violation of your rights as a resident.
  • Reporting concerns about other residents.

• Call your Maintenance Administrator (MA) to:

  • Request repairs to your unit or a common area.
  • Report pests on the property such as ants, bedbugs, mice, etc.
  • Request abandoned furniture be removed.
  • Ask about when a repair will be completed.

• Call your Account Administrator (AA) for information about:

   Your Annual Rent Review.
   A letter you received seeking information about your household or income.
   Rent adjustments and rent calculations.
   How to add an occupant to your household.
   Your account balance or how to arrange a payment.

• Call your Tenant Liaison (TL) when you need:

  • Assistance with issues that may affect your tenancy with Calgary Housing Company.
  • Assistance with forms and documents.
  • Referrals to resources such as: food, furniture, clothing, emergency financial assistance, recreation (kids and family), social benefits, health (physical and mental) related programs, counselling and crisis services.
  • Help with problem solving concerns in the community/property such as: unsupervised children, neighbour disputes, noise complaints, illegal activity, etc

Drop Box Locations

You can leave your documents in the drop box at the following locations.

East District Office
320, 433 Marlborough Way NE

West Office
Main Floor, 1701 Centre St. NW

Mailing Addresses

For faster service, please send your documents to the office for your area of Calgary.

CHC West District Office
1701 Centre Street N
Calgary AB, T2E 8A4

CHC East District Office
320, 433 Marlborough Way NE
Calgary AB, T2A 5H5

CHC South District Office
18, 6624 Centre St. SE
Calgary AB, T2H 0C6

Useful Information

How to Scan Your Documents

Many smartphones and tablets can actually capture high-quality scans of paper documents with their built-in cameras, which makes the process faster and more convenient than a traditional scanner.

Scanning Documents Using Google Drive Information on how to use Google Drive to scan your documents as well as how to add a scanning shortcut to your home screen.

Scanning documents with a smartphone Information from the Goodwill Community Foundation about how to download a PDF scanner to your phone and use it to scan your documents.

How to pay your rent electronically

Did you know you can pay your rent the same way that you pay other bills through your banking institution?

• Select ‘Calgary Housing Company’ as a bill payee.
• Use your payment account number (PAN) as your bill account number (the number provided when you signed your lease.)
• If you do not have your PAN, please call (587) 390-1200 for assistance.
• Depending on which bank you use, they may require more than 6 digits, if this is the case you may add enough zero’s in front of your account number to reach the required number of digits.

The post Office Front Counters Remain Closed – Many Services Available Electronically/Online appeared first on Calgary Housing.

We are pleased to let current Calgary Housing Company Tenants and individuals with existing applications for housing know of an exciting development that will help ensure the ongoing availability of over 1,000 City-owned affordable homes managed by Calgary Housing Company.

Affordable housing programs are funded in partnership by the Government of Canada, Government of Alberta and The City of Calgary. The City of Calgary and the Government of Alberta recently signed a renewed funding agreement for City owned social housing of $34 Million over the next four years. Without this agreement there would have been a significant decrease in subsidies.

Calgary Housing Company operates a number of affordable housing portfolios, totalling over 7,200 households across the city. The agreement announced on February 18, 2021 affects the 1,000 units in the City-owned Community Housing Portfolio.

For Existing Tenants

Residents of homes in the City-owned Community Housing Portfolio are being contacted individually to make them aware of the intent of the agreement.

Calgary Housing Company is committed to providing safe, affordable housing and supporting individual and community wellbeing. If you have any immediate questions about this new agreement, please email chccustomerservice@calgary.ca.

For Individuals with Existing Applications for Housing

CHC Applicants are advised that as units under this new agreement become vacant, CHC will be renting these units at set rent rates. If you are already on the CHC waitlist and you meet the minimum qualifications, then your application will be considered for these units.

Calgary Housing Company is committed to providing safe, affordable housing and supporting individual and community wellbeing.

Click here to read the full release on this new agreement from The City of Calgary.

The post Information for Tenants and Applicants on New Housing Agreement appeared first on Calgary Housing.

February 18, 2021

City of Calgary Information Release

Click here to view this release on Calgary.ca

The City of Calgary, and the Government of Alberta reached a four-year $34M operating and capital funding agreement to enable the continued provision of affordable housing for 1,048 households. These homes are managed by Calgary Housing Company.

This agreement is part of an affordable housing strategy for Calgary that is aimed at both maintaining and increasing the affordable housing supply locally and has helped create an average of 300 affordable homes/year over the last 10 years. This agreement will contribute to that strategy by maintaining 1,048 homes, which represent approximately 8 per cent of the total supply of affordable housing in Calgary.

“This new agreement sets the stage for the housing plan we need in Calgary. The mixed-rent model will create a more financially sustainable model for affordable housing,” says Mayor Naheed Nenshi. “When this is combined with our push for greater federal investment in the supply of housing for those below the income threshold, we have an opportunity before us to create a system that will ensure dignity, opportunity, and security for anyone in Calgary in need of a home.”

The signing of this funding agreement with the Government of Alberta will enable the transition of all City-owned social housing to a social housing mixed-rent model. This agreement has many benefits:

• It will continue to serve households living in poverty. All households served will be under Alberta’s low-income thresholds for affordable housing.
• The new agreement will enable policies that are being piloted to focus on positive housing outcomes for tenants including a focus on moving residents – and the children of residents – out of poverty.
  • One great example is that under the new agreement, the income of youths will no longer be included in rent calculations, enabling youth under the age of 22 to earn and save their own money without any sort of penalty to the household.
• Reduced reliance on government subsidy over time. The social housing mixed-rent model means that this portfolio of housing will include a variety of rental rates, from deeply discounted rent that is set to a percentage of tenant income, to rents set within the higher range of social housing. This mix improves financial viability and sustainability, while allowing tenants of varying financial means to live side-by-side as neighbours
• It helps ensure that there is adequate funding for investment and repairs. The agreement includes certainty of funding for $34M in operating and capital for repairs and maintenance.
• Households are better supported to move out of poverty as their situation changes.

To maintain the supply of existing housing through a social housing mixed-rent model, the new agreement will come into effect over the next four years, starting in 2021. The original housing agreements funded jointly between the City of Calgary, the Government of Alberta and the Government of Canada, were set to expire between 2021 and 2024.

“It’s important to remember that affordable housing is about people,” says Councillor Druh Farrell. “People in stable housing have greater chances to find and keep jobs, to learn and build skills, and be active participants in their communities. This agreement to maintain homes for those most in need, is one of many necessary steps to meet the growing need in Calgary.”

Access to safe and stable housing helps create inclusive communities and adds to the overall health, prosperity and safety of our city. This agreement is one step forward to achieving the goals of The City Corporate Affordable Housing Strategy to modernize aging provincially funded social housing, reducing reliance on government funding while also investing in the development of new mixed income housing to increase affordable housing supply for Calgarians.

“Alberta’s government knows affordable housing is critical to create inclusive communities and to build economic prosperity for all Albertans. Renewing Alberta’s affordable housing system will result in more flexible, fair and inclusive housing options that meet Albertan’s needs now, and in the future, including for the City of Calgary. Alberta’s government is pleased to continue our ongoing commitment and ensure Albertans have access to safe, stable, and affordable housing.” -Seniors and Housing Minister Josephine Pon

This agreement is well aligned with the recent recommendations of the Alberta Affordable Housing Review Panel report that was accepted by the Province in December, specifically the recommendation to “support and encourage the development of innovative operating models such as the mixed-income, mixed-use, and mixed-tenure housing developments, which will create community benefits and increases the sustainability of affordable housing.”

A key objective of both the City and the Province when entering into these negotiations was to maintain these homes as affordable housing through this agreement, ensuring that citizens in need of affordable housing services continued to get the opportunity to achieve positive outcomes towards their individual and community well-being and make life better every day.

For more information, visit: calgary.ca/affordablehousing

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Quick facts:

• More than 100,000 Calgary households are forecast to be in housing need [1]by 2025.
• Nearly 1 in 5 Calgary households are struggling with housing costs.
• Calgary is in need of 2,000-2,500 new affordable homes each year. We must retain existing housing and build or acquire new homes.
• This agreement is a joint affordable housing commitment and partnership between The City of Calgary and The Government of Alberta that helps to ensure that affordable housing in Calgary is adequately funded and maintained to meet health and safety requirements and help meet the need for affordable housing.
• Affordable housing programs are funded in partnership by the Government of Canada, Government of Alberta and The City of Calgary.
• Housing underpins individual and community wellbeing and is crucial to enabling people to participate economically by holding a job or pursuing education.

• It actually costs less in tax-payer dollars to provide citizens experiencing homelessness with affordable housing. They will rely less on other public supports, such as shelters, healthcare and emergency services.

The post City of Calgary signs modernized housing agreement with the Government of Alberta appeared first on Calgary Housing.

Neighbour Day is a yearly celebration of Calgary’s strong community spirit. It started in 2014 in honour of the incredible support and generosity Calgarians showed after the 2013 floods. Now it’s an opportunity to connect with our neighbours, show how we care for each other and celebrate how we make Calgary a great city.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it is more important than ever that we connect with our neighbours. But we must do so while practicing physical distancing to keep everyone safe. We are encouraging all Calgarians to plan and host virtual events and try some of the activities below with your neighbours.

How to plan for Neighbour Day

Hosting a virtual event via video chat or phone is the safest way to connect with your neighbours this year. Reach out to your neighbours to help plan your event details, such as:

• What video chat tool will you use? (Microsoft Teams, Zoom, FaceTime, Google Hangouts, etc.)
• Who will schedule the event online and send invitations?
• Who will prepare the materials you need for your event activities?
• What activities will you do during your virtual event? You could:
  • Share a virtual meal or BBQ;
  • Share your acts of kindness with one another;
  • Help support Calgary businesses (e.g. order delivery or takeout from a local restaurant, purchase local goods, etc.);
  • See ideas below; or
  • Make up your own way to celebrate your community spirit!

Don’t forget to share your experience with the City of Calgary on social media using #yycNeighbourDay!

Share your celebrations online!

Share your Neighbour Day celebrations on any social media platform using #yycNeighbourDay for a chance to be featured on City channels.

Check out what the City of Calgary has put together for our community to celebrate neighbor day in a bit of a different way, including fun community based activities you can do as a family, or safely with your neighbours!

For the Whole Family [PDF Downloads]

• Neighbour Day Scavenger Hunt
• Neighbourhood I spy
• Neighbour Day June 20 colouring sheet
• I heart Neighbour Day colouring sheet
• Calgary skyline colouring sheet
• Neighbour day Pledge Card

Links and Resources

• June 20, 2020 Neighbour Day Page
• More at Home Activities
• Committing to 3 simple acts of kindness

Adapted from Neighbour Day information from the City of Calgary. For more information, ideas and resources visit the City of Calgary June 20, 2020 Neighbour Day Page

The post Calgary’s Neighbour Day June 20, 2020 appeared first on Calgary Housing.

Calgary Housing Company (CHC) is replacing its software system. We are excited about getting a new system that will improve housing services, application processing, invoice processing and enhance our reporting.

The new software is being implemented in two phases. The first phase is being installed at the end of June and is focused on replacing internal systems. The second phase will be installed before the end of 2020 and it will allow our field staff to work from their mobile devices, as well as allow applications and invoices to be submitted online.

Moving from one technology to another is a significant undertaking and we ask for your patience as we go through this transition. Our existing system will shut down on June 11, so we will be unable to access electronic files from June 12-19.

During this time we will continue to accept applications and invoices, but we will be unable to process them until the new system is available. If you pay your rent or receive your subsidy electronically, we have been working directly with our bank to make every effort at making this transition seamless. If you notice any errors in your electronic rent or subsidy payments, you should contact your bank directly.

There will be no disruption to housing services, emergency maintenance service, construction projects or procurement services.

All staff will continue to be available to provide support and service. They can be reached via their regular contact information or our Customer Service team at (587) 390-1200.

Thank you for your patience!

The post Calgary Housing Company Software Replacement in June appeared first on Calgary Housing.

Support and guidance from Attainable Homes home ownership program helps mom and her kids make the move

On February 21, Rundle Manor tenant Sintayehu Assefa got the keys to her brand new home. Assefa’s move into home ownership comes about after she connected with resources presented to Calgary Housing Company (CHC) tenants following the announcement of the 2021 closure of CHC’s Rundle Manor.

In July 2019, CHC notified Rundle Manor tenants about plans to begin redeveloping the property in 2021. To ensure that tenants were supported through the process, CHC provided a variety of supports including reduced rent and information about home ownership for interested tenants.

Opportunities for Home Ownership (OHO) is an ongoing series of seminars for CHC tenants where local agencies and organizations provide information to tenants exploring new housing options. Partners have included organizations like The City’s Attainable Homes program, Habitat for Humanity, Momentum, Money Mentors and others.

In September 2019, CHC offered an open house style OHO session for Rundle Manor tenants interested in home ownership opportunities, that included support with financial management. The event also included the launch of a pilot partnership with Attainable Homes and Scotiabank supporting tenants’ efforts to save towards home ownership by using the money saved from their Rundle Manor rent reduction to put towards the down payment of a home through Attainable Homes.

For Assefa, the timing was perfect. She had looked into the Attainable Homes program in the past, but at the time her budget was too tight. Now, with her personal finances more stable and empowered with some savings, Attainable Homes worked for her. She was even able to find a home in a nearby neighbourhood so her kids won’t have to change schools.

Assefa says CHC helped make home ownership possible by being very accommodating throughout the process. Because of the information and flexibility provided, she says she was able to purchase the right home at the right time. But it was the underlying stability that got her to a place where she was ready to buy.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank Calgary Housing Company for giving me a chance to raise my children in stable home,” she says. “I can’t thank you enough for supporting me through my hardships. My children and I will be forever grateful.”

CHC has delivered the Opportunities for Home Ownership (OHO) program to tenants for almost 5 years, with many successful transitions to home ownership through organizations like Attainable Homes and Habitat for Humanity, and through the private market with support from financial literacy and empowerment programs offered by organizations like Momentum and Money Mentors.

“The tenant education sessions provide an opportunity for tenants to look forward in their lives.  To be introduced to opportunities that they might not have thought about or thought would be possible for them.” says Angela Coulter, CHC Partnership Coordinator. “By combining the information from complimentary organizations, tenants can see that there is hope to budget, save, restore their credit and work towards a realistic goal of home ownership.”

 Assefa reiterates the importance of community supports in her success story. “Without the community” she says, “this would not have been possible.”

 She also stresses the importance of good credit and having finances in order enough to be eligible for a regular mortgage through the bank.

 To learn more about Attainable Homes Calgary programs visit them at attainyourhome.com.

Images supplied by Attainable Homes Calgary Corporation.

The post Home Ownership Dream a Reality for Former CHC Tenant appeared first on Calgary Housing.