The post Celebrating CHC Partner Edgemont Community Association appeared first on Calgary Housing.

The Kiwanis Club of Calgary Chinook in collaboration with Calgary Housing Company and Two Wheel View held a bike and helmet giveaway at their Vista Heights Complex on April 21, 2021.

The partners believe it’s a great way to give back to the community, make every child feel special, while creating a way for them to get exercise and explore their community. The day was dry, sunny, and warm, with temperatures in the teens for volunteers and the Two Wheel View mechanics to set up the bike station.

Volunteer Joanne indicated, “It was wonderful to see the excitement of the kids”.  Over 13 bikes and 12 helmets were given away that day, in fact they returned the next day to provide a special bike to a teenager as they did not have a bike suited for her on the day of the event.

Darlene, the  Bike Co-ordinator of the event exclaimed, “when I went to drop the bike off, I was so happy to see a young  mom helping her child learn how to ride their bike with training wheels.  Darlene further exclaimed that the event drew interest from passerby’s who were inquisitive to what the event was about.

Special thanks to Calgary Neighborhoods, Daniel Kebede for securing the park behind the unit for the event.

Volunteers from the Bike Even.

The post Bike Event at Vista Heights appeared first on Calgary Housing.

Construction at the Village Commons has wrapped up and CHC’s partner carya has moved in – exciting developments that bring us one step closer to realizing the vision of a new community hub at Calgary Housing Company’s East Village Place.

Village Commons is a new hub located in the heart of the rapidly developing East Village. It will be home to a wide range of programs in flexible spaces for community meetings, wellness classes, financial planning, empowerment, and more. Exciting and innovative features include a new art studio, family counselling centre, and an industrial-sized state of the art community kitchen. The space is also equipped with video and streaming capabilities to ensure programs and events continue to be accessible online.

With construction completed, carya has moved their operations on-site and is continuing to offer virtual programming – but the grand opening and community use of Village Commons will have to wait until public health and safety rules allow us to gather together.

Village Commons is the result of significant consultation and cooperation. In 2016 CHC purchased the property to preserve more than 160 affordable homes. Work began immediately to explore options for redeveloping the former Golden Age Club site to offer a space that would serve the residents of East Village Place and the broader community. In 2017, carya came on board as the partner with which this vision would be developed.

“Partnering with carya was the ideal solution,” says CHC President Sarah Woodgate. “This is an agency that has been supporting Calgarians for over 100 years and has both a history in this community and a vision for how to deliver that support for the future.”

“Our vision for Village Commons has always been a space where all Calgarians can come together and feel like they belong,” says Theresa Watson, CEO of carya. “While we can’t gather in this space just yet, we are thrilled it is now complete and ready for us to come together when it is safe to do so.”

To complete the partnership, CMLC was signed on as the project manager to lead the construction. As a driving force behind the overall East Village Master Plan, CMLC brought the expertise and vision to help realize this important community-focused project. In just 11 months and during the COVID-19 pandemic, the team completed the design and construction of the project under budget which allowed the team to open the scope to additional add-ons.

“East Village is the place where Calgary’s future continues to unfold and we see that with opening of Village Commons which invites current residents and supports the evolving needs of the neighborhood,” says Kate Thompson, CMLC President and CEO.

Completion of construction at Village Commons is not the only development at East Village Place. Whitebox construction is nearing completion on commercial space on the ground floor of the building and CHC is actively exploring leasing opportunities with potential commercial tenants.

More information about the programs and services that will be offered at the Village Commons can be found at:  https://caryacalgary.ca/about-carya/village-commons/

You can learn more about CMLC and its work in East Village at: https://www.calgarymlc.ca/east-village-projects-page#projects-area-featured

The post Milestone Brings Village Commons One Step Closer appeared first on Calgary Housing.

Serve up fire safety in the kitchen with info and video resources provided by our friends at the Calgary Fire Department.

Most cooking fires start in the kitchen from overheated cooking oil or food left cooking on the stovetop unattended. Check out tips, links and video resources that will help you practice safe cooking habits in your kitchen all year round.

How to prevent cooking fires

• Stay alert and never leave cooking unattended.
• Check on your food regularly, use a timer.
• Heat your cooking oil slowly and keep the temperature below 200 degrees Celsius.
• Avoid cooking when you are sleepy or drowsy from medication, alcohol or cannabis.
• Keep your cooking areas clear of children, pets and materials that can catch on fire, such as potholders, towels, drapes and food packaging.

What to do during cooking fires

• If you have a grease fire, don’t use water to put it out. Keep the pot on the stove and slide a fitted lid over it to smother the flames.
• If it is safe to do so, turn off the heat and the exhaust fan to stop flames and gases from spreading.
• For an oven fire, turn off the heat and keep the door closed to prevent flames from escaping.
• For a microwave fire, keep the door closed and unplug the appliance if it is safe to do so.

Links & Resources

Fire Safety & Prevention Tips from CHC

Fire Prevention Week info from CFD

Learn more about fire safety on the Calgary Fire Department’s website:

~ Fire Safety Equipment
~ Smoke Alarms
~ Home Fire Safety
~ Electrical and Gas Appliances
~ Building Fire Safety
~ Disposal of Smoking Material

Bedroom Fire Safety:  Few things are more frightening that waking up to a fire in your home. Watch this short video to see how to minimize the risk of having a fire start during the night, how to know if there’s a fire in your home and how to escape from a home fire safely.

Kitchen Fire Safety: The number one cause of home fires in Calgary is being unsafe in your kitchen. Watch this short video to see what kinds of things can cause kitchen fires, what to do in case of a kitchen fire and how to prevent these fires from happening in your home.

Fire Prevention for Seniors: Remembering When is a Fire and Fall prevention program for seniors. As we get older, we tend to spend more time at home. Take a few minutes to watch this informative video with some helpful reminders about how to stay safe in your home.

The post Fire Prevention: Serve up fire safety in the kitchen appeared first on Calgary Housing.

Join us in celebrating the achievements of our sector, while recognizing the work that still needs to be done, so that all Canadians have a safe place to call home.

COVID-19 has reminded everyone of how important it is to have access to safe and affordable housing.

In a statement marking National Housing Day, Calgary mortgage and Housing (CMHC) notes that some of those hit hardest by the pandemic are our most vulnerable populations – people experiencing or at risk of homelessness, seniors, women and children fleeing domestic violence, and people with disabilities.

Each year, National Housing Day is held on November 22 to recognize the important work done by housing partners across Canada to improve access to housing for everyone in Canada.

Now, more than ever, says CMHC, National Housing Day is an opportunity to reflect on the work that still needs to be done. As our communities recover from the pandemic, we need to ensure that everyone in Canada has access to affordable and equitable housing. Housing is a cornerstone of sustainable and inclusive communities, and housing is a basic human right recognized by the United Nations and all levels of government in Canada.

Take a moment this National Housing Day to celebrate the achievements of our sector – especially during such a challenging year, while recognizing the work that still needs to be done, so that we can continue to gain momentum in ensuring that all Canadians have a safe, and adequate place to call home.

National Housing Day Links and Resources

• National Housing Day info from CMHC
• Multi Faith Housing’s National Housing Day Celebration
• About National Housing day from daysoftheyear.com

How to celebrate National Housing Day in 2020?

Although these are interesting times – especially when it comes celebrating events – it is still possible to make the most of your National Housing Day while remaining safe!

Attend a virtual celebration!

Multifaith Housing in Ottawa is hosting their National Housing Day celebration online at 1pm (3pm EST)!

Share your thoughts on social media!

The Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation has put together a toolkit with backgrounds to use in virtual meetings and frames to use in social media.

• National Housing Day info from CMHC
• If you mention CHRA on Facebook and on Twitter (@CHRA_ACHRU) they will share your post or tweet.
• You can also use the #NationalHousingDay hashtag!

Talk about your story!

• Share your success story, recent progress, or achievement of goals as it relates to the importance of housing.
• Talk about the need for Community Housing in your area.
• Give kudos to someone who deserves it.

Join your fellow Canadians across the country in celebrating this very special day! Share why housing matters to you, especially during COVID-19m and, help raise awareness of the importance of safe, affordable and inclusive housing for everyone in Canada.

The post November 22 is National Housing Day appeared first on Calgary Housing.

Partnership between CHC and I Can For Kids helps to distribute almost $200,000 in grocery cards to help thousands of kids and families at CHC managed properties this summer.

Building partnerships with community agencies, programs and advocates has been a primary strategy for Calgary Housing Company as it seeks to continuously improve service for the people it serves.

For the past six years, CHC has worked with I Can For Kids, whose mission is to help children access food throughout the summer when they may not have access to other food security programs. The partnership is a natural fit given I Can For Kids philosophy of “supporting kids where they live and play”.

I Can For Kids works with CHC and other support agencies in the community to deliver food packs and fresh fruit to help supplement children’s daily food needs throughout the summer months. In the in summer 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic forced I Can For Kids to change how this service was delivered, shifting their focus from snack packs to grocery cards.

With the help of CHC’s Tenant Liaison team, almost $200,000 in grocery cards were distributed between April and August 2020 on behalf of I Can For Kids, helping thousands of children and families at CHC-managed properties. This accounts for more than a third  of the over $550,000 in grocery cards distributed by I Can For Kids over the summer. Additionally, another $108,000 in grocery cards are being distributed in the community right now, $37,000 of which will go to CHC tenants.

More Information

• I Can For Kids Wesbite
• I Can For Kids 2019 Impact Report
• LEGO recognizes I Can For Kids for community work in Calgary as part of international campaign

How Tenants Access Grocery Cards

Calgary Housing Company connects with families in need in a variety of ways. The most common way CHC staff connected families to the I Can For Kids grocery card program is through the eviction prevention program.

Tenant Liaison’s often identify the need for food supports during rental arrears assessments, as families that are in arrears are often short on food – having to make the choice between paying rent and feeding their kids. Need is also identified by Tenant Liaisons when responding to support calls or doing home visits, as well as through program partners. Tenant Liaisons also connect with tenants in need of food supports at events like winter clothing drives, or when tenants reach out directly for support.

Tenants in need of support can call their Tenant Liaison or call the CHC Customer Service Line at (587) 390-1200.

More about our partnership

The partnership between CHC and I Can For Kids began over five years ago when CHC Tenant Liaisons and I Can For Kids sat down together to determine how they could work together most effectively. That strategic approach has continued ever since.

“CHC has been an important partner in helping to develop our programming.” says Bobbi Turko, executive director of I Can for Kids. “The program from 2015 to today looks very different because of the constant evolution that comes with communication and feedback.”

Staff at both organizations stay in contact all year, gathering information in the spring, delivering services in the summer, and following-up with clients and each other in the fall.  “The most important thing is to always be talking to each other and our partners and involving them in our planning.” Bobbi says.

Hunger Facts from the ‘I Can For Kids’ Impact Report

I Can For Kids works to support children and families in need.

• 1 in 5 Calgarians worry about not having enough money for food
• Nearly 17% of children in Alberta live with food insecurity
• More than 5,000 kids in Calgary rely on school food programs during the school year
• Most kids who benefit from school food programs do not have the same access to a free meal during the summer
• Food insecure children are more likely to experience the mental health issues, poor academic performance, and chronic health issues

Other I Can For Kids Partners

Aspen Family & Community Network Society
BowWest Community Resource Centre
Boys & Girls Clubs of Calgary
Calgary John Howard Society
Calgary Police Service
Calgary Women’s Emergency Shelter
Carya
Catholic Family Service
Centre for Newcomers
City of Calgary – Neighborhoods
Closer to Home
Community Kitchen Program of Calgary
Cornerstone Youth Centre
CUPS
Deer Park United Church
Discovery House
Elizabeth Fry Society of Calgary
Hull Services – Patch Program
Metis Calgary Family Services
Oak Park Church of Christ
SE Calgary Community Resource Centre
Soccer Without Boundaries
SouthWest Communities Resource Centre
The Alex Youth Health Centre
The Brenda Strafford Centre
Thornhill Child Care
Women In Need Society
Wood’s Homes – EXIT Outreach
Youth Centres of Calgary

I Can For Kids 2019 Highlights

This graphic from the I Can For Kids 2019 Impact Report illustrates the need and impact in the as of 2019.

The post CHC Partnership with I Can For Kids supports thousands of kids! appeared first on Calgary Housing.

New community space is a partnership between Calgary Housing Company, carya, and Calgary Municipal Land Corporation

Calgary Housing Company (CHC), in partnership with carya and the Calgary Municipal Land Corporation (CMLC), is excited to announce the start of construction of Village Commons – a brand new community hub that will be located on the second floor of CHC’s East Village Place (610 8^th Ave SE).

On September 24^th CHC and its partners hosted an event in East Village’s 5^th Street Square providing a taste of what is to come at Village Commons.

After an extensive process to determine the programs and services desired by residents and the community, CHC found the perfect partner in carya – an organization with more than 110 years of creating healthier, more connected communities in Calgary. It was critical to find a strong partner that could operate a sustainable program without subsidies from CHC’s residential operations.

“We are pleased to have found such great partners, and that we are able to be part of developing an important resource for the community,” said Sarah Woodgate, President of Calgary Housing Company.

Village Commons will feature a community kitchen designed by Group2 Architecture Interior Design Ltd, in partnership with their kitchen consultant, Burnstad Consulting, an art studio for classes and self-directed creativity, recreation spaces, a family counselling centre, and common areas for neighbours to get to know each other. All Calgarians will be welcome to learn, cook, create, and access the mental health supports they need to thrive.

“carya got its start in East Village in 1910, so we’re thrilled to be coming full circle with Village Commons,” said carya CEO Monique Auffrey. “After months of isolation due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this community gathering space will be more important than ever.”

65% of East Village residents live alone, which means that social isolation is an ongoing concern. Village Commons will join existing landmarks such as the Calgary Public Library, Salvation Army, and Studio Bell as an important place in the neighbourhood to gather, access resources, and build community.

“I am really quite excited about this project,” says area Councilor Druh Farrell. “It’s another piece in the puzzle of a diverse new community coming together. carya does such great work – I know the programs they offer will be a great value to seniors, families and other residents of East Village.”

Through partnerships with the Calgary Sports and Entertainment Corporation and the Calgary Flames Foundation, Farm Credit Canada, and others, carya has already begun to imagine what programming in Village Commons will look like. Alongside new food and nutrition opportunities, many of carya’s existing programs will be offered in the space, all at either no or low cost. Funding and donations, including a grant from the Government of Alberta’s Community Facility Enhancement Program, are helping to make this possible.

carya will connect with an estimated 24,000 people from all ages and stages of life in the first five years of opening the new space. Village Commons will open its doors in early 2021.

CHC is also pleased to be partnering with CMLC who will project manage the construction project. CMLC brings significant project management expertise as well as important perspective as the agency responsible for the implementation of the East Village Master Plan.

“East Village has evolved into a vibrant mixed-use community with a diverse mix of residents. carya’s Village Commons enriches the community and brings an important community space where residents of all ages are welcome,” said Kate Thompson, President and CEO, CMLC.

Additional commercial space on the ground floor of the building is being offered for lease with the goal of locating tenants who will further contribute to the rapidly evolving neighbourhood.

CHC purchased East Village Place in 2016 and currently provides 163 affordable homes in the building.

About caryacarya is a social profit agency dedicated to building strong families and communities for generations. Since 1910, carya has been providing support through counselling, groups, education, community development, in home assistance, and more. These services help Calgarians of all ages build the skills they need to deal with life’s challenges and develop meaningful and thriving relationships.

About Calgary Housing Company (CHC) Calgary’s largest residential landlord, CHC manages approximately 7,100 homes in subsidized and near market programs for Calgarians not well served by the regular housing market. CHC is wholly-owned by The City of Calgary.

About Calgary Municipal Land Corporation (CMLC)CMLC strives to strengthen connections between people and the places they share. Created and owned by the City of Calgary, CMLC works to achieve the City’s objectives for urban densification, community renewal, infrastructure investment and placemaking.

The post Construction of East Village Commons Underway at CHC Property appeared first on Calgary Housing.

On June 21, Canada will be celebrating National Indigenous People’s Day, a day to recognize and celebrate the cultures and contributions of Indigenous peoples from across Canada. Let’s gather together – online – to celebrate the rich cultures and stories of Indigenous peoples in Alberta.

Join Calgary Housing Company as we recognize the importance and sacred nature of cultural ceremonies and celebrations that usually occur during this time. While celebrations and events for National Indigenous History Month may be different this year than those in the past, we can still share and learn from stories, traditions and culture in new ways that keep us together and connected.

Upcoming Events

There are events happening throughout the week and weekend, including a large number being led by Alberta Health Services (AHS).

Morning Song | Daily
Sherryl Sewepagaham leads us in a song each morning this week at 9:00 a.m. for as part of AHS’ National Indigenous Peoples Week celebrations. [Listen live via Zoom]

June 18 & 19: AHS Lunch time Learning Sessions [Register via Eventbrite]
Leading up to National Indigenous Peoples Day on June 21, AHS is pleased to present lunchtime learnings from Indigenous leaders online via Zoom. All are welcome, and we invite you to sign up for as many sessions as you would like. Please feel free to share the link as only those who are registered will be able to participate.

• Thursday, June 18 @ 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. – Remembering a way of life: Storytelling with Geraldine Potts
• Thursday, June 18 @ 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. – Sharing from the Alberta Native Friendship Centers
• Friday, June 19 @ 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. – Outreach work and community experiences in “the new normal”

June 19: National Indigenous Peoples Day virtual celebration | June 19 from 12-12:30pm | Hosted by Alberta Aboriginal Training and Jobs via Facebook. Bringing together the province to celebrate Indigenous culture and creativity online. Join Minister Rick Wilson and guest performers in an afternoon of Indigenous song, dance and celebration.  [View More]

June 21: National Indigenous People’s Day Virtual Pow Wow and Celebration | June 21 from from 12-5pm | The summer solstice is a culturally significant day for many Indigenous peoples and is now acknowledged by celebrations held in towns, cities and First Nations communities across Canada. Join virtually in this online celebration on June 21, 2020.  [Learn More]

Useful Links

• Aboriginal Awareness Week Calgary
• 2020 National Indigenous Peoples Day Celebrations from AHS
• CBC’s 35 books to read for National Indigenous History Month
• The Honouring Mother Earth Committee

Indigenous Awareness Resources

• Métis Nation of Alberta
• Government of Alberta: National Indigenous History Month
• Government of Canada: History of Indigenous peoples in Canada
• Importance of National Indigenous History Month
• Aboriginal Standing Committee on Housing & Homelessness

Indigenous Supports & Resources

• Aboriginal Friendship Centre of Calgary
• Indigenous Programs and Services Listing from the City of Calgary
• Additional Aboriginal Support Resources from the City of Calgary
• Indigenous Services from the Calgary Public Library
• Indigenous Initiatives Boys & Girls Club of Calgary
• Indigenous Health from Alberta Health Services

The post June 21 is National Indigenous People’s Day appeared first on Calgary Housing.

Need a backpack for your kids going back to school in the fall?

The Backpacks for Kids Program is an annual campaign where organizations and individuals donate backpacks for children in need. With backpacks and access to basic school supplies, students come to school prepared to learn and feel part of the learning community. The supplies in the backpacks provide the students with the tools they need both at school and at home, so they can complete homework assignments or other special projects.

The Mustard Seed’s Backpack program sign-up

Although the summer has just started, the Mustard Seed is already planning for the fall! They will be giving away FREE backpacks for families in the communities we serve that need extra support this year. Backpacks will include school supplies and will be age and gender specific. The form is open now and will close July 31 2020.

All you need to do is click complete the Mustard Seed Backpack Request Form. Only complete one entry per family.

CHC Tenants can contact their Tenant Liaison for support, or call Tiffany Wiedrick, Community Hubs Supervisor for the Mustard Seed at (403) 585-4108 or email hubs@theseed.ca for assistance.

Quick Info

To sign up, complete the Mustard Seed Backpack Request Form. Only complete one entry per family.

Contact Tiffany Wiedrick, Community Hubs Supervisor for the Mustard Seed at (403) 585-4108 or email hubs@theseed.ca for assistance.

More info on the back packs program is available from CBE website

The post FREE Back packs for kids Program from the Mustard Seed appeared first on Calgary Housing.

By Sarah Woodgate

When people are in need, Calgarians respond. It’s one of the reasons Calgary is such a great place to live.

Right now Women In Need Society (WINS) is asking Calgarians for a little help. In late March, WINS Executive Director Karen Ramchuk announced the award-winning social enterprise was facing a difficult decision that would impact thousands of women living in poverty and their families.

Four Family Resource Centres, all run out of Calgary Housing Company (CHC) properties, need an injection of funding to remain open. They have been closed until the end of April when a decision on their long term viability will be made. WINS is appealing to Calgary for the $500,000 needed to staff these Resource Centres and continue to support families.

So many lives have been changed. Over 2,000 people are served through the centres every year. The services offered are used more than 17,000 times.

It serves women like Maria, who first registered with WINS during the summer of 2015 after arriving from Mexico. WINS supported her and her family with basic needs like food, clothing, school supplies, baby supplies, and links to community agencies like Canada Revenue Agency, Fair Entry, and Made by Momma. As a family of six, her husband and four children also attend programming while Maria enrolled in ESL programs. Her efforts allowed her to acquire basic language skills, learn new skills, and build increased confidence to help provide for her family. Without WINS, CHC tenants like Maria will have to find somewhere else to go for services like ESL programs, parenting workshops, employment support, and referrals for items like food or even a mattress.

These resource rooms provide needed social infrastructure supporting the ability of Calgarians to reach their full potential. We proudly partner with WINS to provide services that align with our mission to create comprehensive solutions through inclusive communities in great neighbourhoods, to enable success for all.

The rooms also host a number of programs to build community and social networks to help end social isolation for the families living in the neighborhoods. Women Clubs, Kids Clubs, Girl Clubs – all are focused on helping women and families in poverty to build a support network for themselves as well as keeping children engaged in healthy, supportive activities. Through these networks, women are able to help each other, combining strength and resources to help their families.

For thousands of women in Calgary, these are hard times. With difficult economic times in Calgary comes an increased demand for the services offered at WINS resource centres.

There are three ways that you can help:
1) Make a donation – http://www.womeninneed.net/
2) Donate gently used household goods, furniture and clothing
3) Choosing to shop at WINS stores across Calgary

WINS and the women they serve need our help. Please consider giving what you can.

Thank you,

Sarah

Sarah Woodgate is the President of Calgary Housing Company.

The post Three ways you can help Women In Need Society appeared first on Calgary Housing.