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Summer is just around the corner, so we have put together resources to help you get ready and stay safe while having fun. Read on for:

• COVID-19 safety this summer
• Fire safety resources
• Tips for trampoline and swimming pool safety
• Tips for preventing mold and pests

COVID-19 Safety this Summer

The Government of Alberta announced their Open for Summer Plan on May 26 with provincewide health measures being removed in three stages, as vaccine targets are reached and hospitalizations decline.

• Stage 1: Two weeks after 50 per cent of Albertans age 12-plus have received at least one dose of vaccine and COVID-19 hospitalizations are below 800 and declining.
• Stage 2: Two weeks after 60 per cent of Albertans age 12-plus have received at least one dose of vaccine and COVID-19 hospitalizations are below 500 and declining. At this stage Distancing and masking requirements remain in effect
• Stage 3: Two weeks after 70 per cent of Albertans age 12-plus have received at least one dose of vaccine. At this stage, all restrictions will be lifted, including ban on indoor social gatherings, but isolation requirements for confirmed cases of COVID-19 and some protective measures in continuing care settings will remain.

According to the Government of Alberta, since we have reached the 50 per cent threshold for one-dose vaccination on May 18, and with hospitalizations well below 800, Alberta will enter Stage 1 on June 1. Based on the current pace of vaccinations, Alberta is projected to enter Stage 2 in mid-June and Stage 3 in late June or early July.

These are estimates only and rely on all Albertans continuing to drive down our hospitalizations while increasing vaccination numbers.

Fire Safety Resources

Refer to these safety resources as you think about cooking food on a barbecue or sitting around a fire this summer.

Using Barbeques Safely

Gas BBQs are allowed but must be located at a safe distance of at least 2 feet from fences, railings, walls and buildings while in use or while still hot. Hibachis and other charcoal BBQs are not permitted on CHC sites.

• BBQ Safety Tips from the Government of Canada
• City of Calgary Picnic Site Info

Fire pits, wood burning stoves and chimineas are prohibited

Fire pits, wood burning stoves and chimineas are prohibited on all CHC sites, including yards and common areas. You can book fire pits at community parks. Hibachis and other charcoal BBQs are not permitted on CHC sites.

• Bookable Fire Pits at Parks
• Fire Bans and Advisories

At home fire safety tips

These resources will help you practice safe cooking habits in your kitchen all year round.

• Safe and Sound: Fire Prevention and Safety Tips
• Fire Prevention: Serve up fire safety in the kitchen

Tips for trampoline and swimming pool safety 

Follow the safety rules below if you live in a CHC home with space for a swimming pool or trampoline. CHC is not responsible for any incidents that result from use of a swimming pool or trampoline.

Trampolines safety information

Trampolines are permitted if the tenant follows manufacturers’ guidelines and directions.

Location must be at least 3 feet from fences, buildings, trees, parking areas and other obstacles.

• A net is mandatory and must be in good repair.
• Secure trampoline to protect from high winds.
• Not all yards will accommodate the size of a trampoline safely.
• CHC is not responsible for any incidents that result from use of a trampoline.

Refer to Trampoline Injury Prevention and Safety from the Government of Alberta for tips.

Swimming pool safety information 

Calgary Housing Company does not permit a pool that is greater than 18 inches in height and/or 6 feet in diameter on CHC property including yards, common areas and play areas.

• Pools must be drained at the furthest point away from all buildings with water drained away from buildings.
• Children must be supervised at all times.
• Calgary Housing Company is not responsible for any incidents that result from use of a pool.

Refer to the City of Calgary wading pools, spray parks and outdoor pools page for details on when these facilities will open and for information on COVID-19 protocols.

Tips for preventing mold and pests 

The moisture and humidity of summer along with spending more time outside can create circumstances for mold and pests. Follow these tips to prevent mold and pests in and around your home.

Preventing mold in your home

Mold seeks moisture, warmth and food to grow, so you can prevent mold from growing by controlling moisture and keeping your home dry. Following these tips and can prevent mold from growing in and around your home.

• Maintain correct room temperature (Between 16* Celcius (61*F) and 21* Celsius (70*F) and air circulation.
• When cooking, open a window or turn on exhaust fans if available.
• Turn on bathroom exhaust fan (where equipped) for at least 15 minutes after a shower or bath.
• Increase the airflow in your home: keep interior doors open, keep furniture one inch from the wall and open your curtains and/or blinds.
• Do not hang blankets on windows as this traps moist air, and reduce the amount of materials you store that collect moisture such as fabrics, paper, and wood.
• Keep your unit clean at all times to allow for good ventilation and airflow.

Refer to additional information on mold from the Government of Alberta for more.

Preventing pests in your home

To avoid attracting pests, rodents or stray animals, please help keep your home and surroundings clean and free of garbage and debris.

If you notice pests such as bed bugs, cockroaches or mice in your unit, please call your Maintenance Administrator or (587) 390-1200.

• Garbage, Recycling and Compost at Multi-Family Homes
• Tips for preventing mice from the City of Calgary
• Information on cockroaches from the Government of Alberta
• Information on bed bugs from the Government of Alberta

The post Getting Ready for a Safe Summer 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.

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.

Basic fire safety begins at home where a little bit of planning can go a long way towards protecting your loved ones and preventing damage to your belongings.

Review these tips on fire prevention and safety as well as what to do in case of a fire and be prepared. Click the + buttons to expand the sections and check out the resources from the City of Calgary Fire Department on the right.

• Fire Prevention

  These are general tips to prevent a fire in your home.

  • Do not store flammable materials inside your home or attached storage.
  • Do not overload power outlets or use damaged, old or frayed power cords.
  • A power bar with a shut-off feature can protect your electrical appliances.
  • Advise your Property Manager immediately if you become aware of any fire hazards in your home or building, for example, accumulations of combustible materials, flammable liquids, or blocked exit routes.
  • Do not prop open fire doors or disable automatic door closers, as you place both yourself and your neighbours in danger in the event of a fire.

• Cooking and Kitchen Safety

  These are fire prevention and general safety tips to prevent burn injuries in your kitchen.

  • Never leave cooking food unattended.
  • Use your stove’s back burners whenever possible.
  • Turn pot handles inward to reduce the risk of pots being knocked over.
  • Always keep an oven mitt and lid nearby when cooking.
  • If a small grease fire starts in a pan, smother the flames by carefully sliding the lid over the pan.
  • Keep potholders, oven mitts, wooden utensils, and other items that can burn, away from your stovetop.
  • Do not to store combustible or flammable items in the bottom drawer of the oven.
  • In case of an oven fire, turn off the heat and keep the door closed.

• Preventing False Alarms

  Prevent annoying false alarms that also waste your smoke detector’s battery life.

  • Keep your stove, oven and toasters clean to prevent setting off your smoke alarm.
  • Use the exhaust fan (if available) when cooking to reduce the possibility of false alarms.
  • Use bathroom exhaust fans to prevent steam from setting off your alarm.
  • If your smoke detector is being set off too easily, ask your Property Manager if it can be moved.

• In case of Fire – Call 9-1-1

  Knowing what to do in the event of a fire can help you escape to safety.

  • Have a fire escape plan (Check out this fire escape plan from the Calgary Fire Department.)
  • Draw a floor plan of your unit on the fire escape plan.
  • If you live in an apartment building, you will find fire safety and evacuation information posted on each floor.
  • Make sure you know at least two ways out of the building in case one escape route is blocked by fire.
  • Plan escape routes with everyone in your household and practice them regularly so everyone knows how to exit the building safely.
  • If you hear a fire alarm, always leave the building right away. Follow your fire escape plan.
  • If a fire occurs in your unit, evacuate to safety, activate the fire alarm, and call 911 for the fire department.

• Smoke Alarms

  CHC Apartment Buildings

  Every CHC Apartment Building is equipped with a fire alarm system and evacuation plans are posted in the common areas.  Please read these so you are aware of what to do in case of a fire.

  • If you hear the fire alarm in your building, exit immediately then call 911.  
  • Do not use the elevators.  
  • If you require assistance exiting your unit, call 911.

  CHC Townhomes and Single Family Homes

  CHC townhomes and single family homes are equipped with smoke detectors.

  • Smoke detectors must not be tampered with.
  • This includes no painting or covering of the smoke detectors.
  • You should test your smoke detectors once a month to ensure they function.
  • Report any malfunctioning or broken smoke detectors to your Property Manager.

Additional Resources

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

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

The post Safe and Sound: Fire Prevention and Safety Tips appeared first on Calgary Housing.

Free tax clinics are still taking place during COVID-19 which you may be eligible for if you have modest income and a simple tax situation.

Free tax clinics will have criteria to determine whether you qualify for free tax filing service. Generally you may be eligible for help at a free tax clinic if you have a modest income and a simple tax situation.

What does ‘Modest Income’ mean? 

According to the Government of Canada, generally a modest income means your total family income is less than the amount shown in the chart below, based on the size of your family. These are suggestions and community organizations may set different amounts.

Suggested income level

What is a ‘Simple Tax Situation’? 

In general, your tax situation is simple if you have no income or if your income comes from sources like regular employment, pension or benefits such as the Canada Pension Plan, disability insurance, employment insurance, and social assistance. Also income from registered retirement savings plans (RRSPs), support payments, scholarships, fellowships, bursaries or grants and interest (under $1,000) would generally be classified simple.

Your tax situation is not simple if you are self-employed or have employment expenses, have business or rental income and expenses or have have capital gains or losses. Also situation where you may have filed for bankruptcy in the tax year (or the year before, if that return has not yet been filed) or are completing a tax return for a deceased person.

Upcoming Learning Opportunity

What You Need to Know for Filing Your 2020 Taxes Webinar – On Tues., Mar. 2 from 10am – 11am join a session with the CRA on how to file your 2020 income taxes.

Info on Tax Clinics in Calgary

Sunrise Tax Clinics – Sunrise is honored to lead the Taxation and Benefits programming in Calgary. Register today to set up an appointment for tax filing for 2020.

BowWest Tax Clinics – BowWest hosts free tax clinics where volunteers complete tax returns for individuals and families with modest incomes and simple tax situations. The income guideline is $35,000 for individuals and $50,000 for families.

Salvation Army Tax Filing Services – Salvation Army Community Services will assist people with taxes starting February 16. Please call 403-220-0432 for more information

Tax Info from Momentum                

Tax Filing Dates Everyone Should Know – Important deadlines and dates to start planning your tax return, even if you only earned a small amount of income.

Tax Filing Resources Everyone Should Know – Information about about free resources available online, whether you plan to file taxes on your own, or get help.

Information from the Government of Canada 

Government of Canada listing of Free Tax Services – Through the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program, community organizations host free tax clinics where volunteers file tax returns for eligible people.

Payment arrangements – If you cannot pay your balance owing on or before April 30, 2021, the CRA may accept a payment arrangement only after you have reasonably tried to get the necessary funds by borrowing or rearranging your financial affairs.

The post Free Virtual Tax Clinics in Calgary 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.

Tenants in more than 480 households who recently received late payment or rent arrears notices have successfully addressed rental arrears issues. The tenants have entered payment arrangements, paid their outstanding balances or are working with CHC to address rent arrears and payment plans going forward.

“It is clear that many people in our community are struggling,” says CHC President Sarah Woodgate. “We are pleased at how our tenants and staff have worked together to make sure families stay housed and avoid falling further behind.”

In August, 508 households received notices of late payment or outstanding arrears. Of those, 481 have worked with CHC on a go-forward plan, 17 have moved out and 10 have gone forward to enforcement. For those in enforcement, the opportunity to make payment arrangements is still available.

For many years, CHC has had eviction prevention practices in place to provide options and support for our tenants struggling to pay rent. This year, those practices were formalized in the Eviction Prevention Policy and Procedure which has been crucial in responding to the challenges of COVID-19 and the economic downturn.

A focus of this approach is to help tenants avoid falling behind and creating arrears they may not be able to address.

“Once they fall a few months behind, it can become almost impossible for tenants to catch up – they can end up in a hole they can’t get out of,” says Housing Services Manager Greg Wilkes. “We alert our tenants and work with them as soon as possible so that doesn’t happen. That’s what the August notices were for.”

In August, 508 households received notices of late payment or outstanding arrears. Of those, 481 have worked with CHC on a go-forward plan, 17 have moved out and 10 have gone forward to enforcement.

One way CHC stays in touch is with wellness checks. CHC staff have done thousands of wellness calls in recent months – contacting families and individuals to inquire about challenges they are facing and, when possible, connecting them with services and resources.

CHC has  been able to help families and individuals with applications for federal COVID income supports, to connect with food supports and other basic needs supports. These supports have been described as critical for people who are struggling to make ends meet.

CHC is a non-profit organization operating just over 7,000 housing units offering for low and moderate income Calgarians who are not well served by the regular market. These affordable homes are offered through several different programs that range from deep subsidy to near-market rental options.

Almost 25,000 Calgarians including over 10,000 children, live in a CHC-managed home.

“If tenants are struggling to pay rent, they should contact us to discuss the options and supports available to help them manage their situation. We want our tenants to be successful – we want them to stay housed and we have tools to help.”

CHC President Sarah Woodgate

Calgary Housing Company’s first priority is to provide housing options for low and moderate income Calgarians struggling to find affordable housing in the regular market.

CHC depends on rental income to manage the operations and rental units. Unfortunately, challenges posed by COVID-19 and the state of the local economy have led to a significant increase in rental arrears and late payment of rent. August saw a doubling of late rental payment notices and an increase to rental arrears of 40 per cent.

“People are struggling,” says Wilkes. “We are walking the balance of helping people to stay in their homes while we also manage our business to keep providing those homes.”

“If tenants are struggling to pay rent, they should contact us to discuss the options and supports available to help them manage their situation,” says CHC President Woodgate. “We want our tenants to be successful – we want them to stay housed and we have tools to help.”

CHC’s Eviction Prevention Program includes:

• Interest free/penalty free payment plans to recover missed rent
• Connections to resources – financial assistance (i.e. Canadian Emergency Response Benefit – CERB), enhanced on site food programs to support food insecurity, etc.
• Wellness check calls to tenants
• Increased communication with residents outlining support information and resources
• Tenants who are on provincially-funded subsidized programs are able to apply for rent adjustments and reduced rents based on changes of income.

Tenants having trouble paying rent on time can contact their Property Manager, Account Administrator or Tenant Liaison. They can also contact our office at (587) 390-1200.

The post Eviction Prevention Efforts Keep CHC Tenants in Their Homes appeared first on Calgary Housing.