Tenant Archives | Calgary Housing

Heavy Rainfall Warning Issued for Calgary

editor_user — Mon, 13 Jun 2022 22:09:50 +0000

Heavy Rainfall Warning Issued for Calgary

A rainfall warning has been issued for the City of Calgary by Environment and Climate Change Canada.

“A prolonged and significant rainfall event will bring 75 to 125 mm of rain by Wednesday morning. Heavy rain will continue to spread north this morning. Rain will persist over the area until Wednesday. Locally higher rainfall totals of 150 mm or more are possible.”

This warning has triggered alerts of possible flooding in Calgary. Alberta Environment has also issue high stream flow advisories for rivers including the Bow and Elbow.

Residents in flood zones are advised to be prepared

The City of Calgary has a large amount of information on calgary.ca including:

Flood Maps – Find out if you are at risk for flooding and info on how to prepare
Flood Readiness Guide (pdf download):
A page with links for finding up to date information

Calgary Housing Company residents are reminded to keep doors and windows closed during rainfalls. If you see flooding, drains backing up into your home, downed trees or any other hazards on a CHC property please call CHC immediately at (587) 390-1200

Tips on how to prepare for potential flooding from Calgary.ca:

Keep everyone safe and reduce your risk.

Make an evacuation plan and include your pets. Determine where you will go, what you will take, and how you will communicate with family and friends.
Create a 72-hour kit that includes medication, important documents and items you may need if you evacuate or shelter-in-place.
Move valuables and documents out of the basement.
Direct downspouts away from building foundations.
Stay informed about weather and river conditions. Check conditions before you go out and download an app that can alert you to emergency conditions.

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East District Office to Re-Open May 16

editor_user — Thu, 12 May 2022 22:27:05 +0000

East District Office to Re-Open May 16

Other offices remain closed

After more than two years of closure due to COVID-19, Calgary Housing Company will begin re-opening our offices next week.

On Monday, May 16, our East District Office will re-open for appointments from 9:30am – 4:00pm.

Only the East District Office (EDO) located in the Marlborough Mall Professional Building will re-open at this time. All other offices remain closed. The secure drop-boxes at the West District and South District offices remain available – but the offices themselves are not open for applicant or resident services.

Although the EDO will be open for appointments, applicants and residents are reminded of the following important points:

It is strongly recommended that you do not drop-in for service – call to make an appointment. Many staff have moved their work locations or work at properties or remotely – do not assume that a particular person will be available if you drop into the office.
Many services are available online through the Applicant Portal and the Resident Portal. More info on these services and how to access them are available at these links: Online Services for Applicants – Online Services for Residents.

East District Office – Open beginning May 16

Marlborough Mall Professional Building, 320 Marlborough Way NE

NEW Hours of Operation: 9:30am – 4:00pm

To book an appointment, call (587) 390-1200 or call the team member you would like to meet with

West District Office Remains Closed

South District Office – Remains Closed

The post East District Office to Re-Open May 16 appeared first on Calgary Housing.

Celebrating CHC Partner Edgemont Community Association

editor_user — Thu, 24 Mar 2022 20:32:00 +0000

Community Association Awareness Month

Celebrating CHC Partner Edgemont Community Association

“Every now and then I will throw on a pot of coffee and invite the moms in, and that’s when you find out what people really need. Someone will mention needing a mattress or something else and I can put the word out in the community. People have donated mattresses, bikes and lots of other things, it’s recycling” says Barb, the Second Vice President of the Edgemont Community Association. She’s been working with the families at the Calgary Housing Company (CHC) Edgemont complex for a decade.

Barb explains “the community association has a policy of being inclusive, regardless of if someone has money or not” as she goes through the myriad programs the community association and CHC have collaborated on through the years. That list includes the long running breakfast club for students, a community garden, and the accessible soccer program. Barb works closely with Suzanne White, the Tenant Liaison at the Edgemont Complex.

Both Barb and Suzanne speak enthusiastically of the breakfast club. It began 10 years ago after an area school principal noticed many of their students were coming in without breakfast. The principal initially reached out to the community association which began running a breakfast program in the school. The program soon expanded outside the school and began serving breakfast at CHC’s Edgemont complex. However, as the buses started to come earlier and earlier in the morning, the program pivoted to a grab-and-go model. Children received a brown bag containing yogurt, fruit, juice, cheese, granola bars and the occasional treat. The past two years the program has been running no-contact and breakfasts are instead dropped off at student’s houses… they’re hoping to return to in-person pick-ups this September.

"...the community association has a policy of being inclusive, regardless of if someone has money or not..."

The breakfast club has grown massively in the past two years; before COVID-19 there were 45 regular participants, now over 100 children receive breakfasts. The community association fundraises specifically for this program. They’ve also been able to build strong relationships with local businesses who donate to the program. Foothills Alliance Church and Westminster Presbyterian Church help run the program as well. In the summertime, the churches take on the running of the program and instead offer an outdoor lunch on Wednesdays.

The community garden, another successful program run by the community association, had its roots directly in the breakfast club. Barb related that some of the children began to ask here questions about where their food comes from. Rather than simply answering the question, she phoned CHC and asked if she could start a community garden. The day after receiving approval she had a volunteer rototill the front lawn. The garden is largely run by one dedicated volunteer, but the children help with the weeding, watering and other tasks. And the garden provides a direct experience to show where their food comes from.

Another program the community association runs with CHC is Soccer without Boundaries. This leadership-focused program aims to build confidence and remove barriers to participation. Both Suzanne and Barb point to the success of the program – particularly in how it promotes inclusiveness and opportunity. For example, Suzanne explains, if transportation is a barrier to children participating, the program will pay for taxis or gas money to support their involvement.

“People are only too willing to help, they just don’t always know how. They need to hear what opportunities are out there to help” says Barb. it is evident that she has not only built a strong relationship with the CHC staff in Edgemont, but also with the families who call Edgemont home.

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

Social Work Week: A Tenant Liaison’s Story on Making Residents’ Lives Better

editor_user — Thu, 10 Mar 2022 19:23:33 +0000

Social Work Week: A Tenant Liaison’s Story on Making Residents’ Lives Better

“Always be kind. Always keep trying. Don’t throw someone away because they aren’t doing the right thing right now.”

When Suzanne White first started at Calgary Housing Company (CHC), there were only 4,000 residents; today there are almost 25,000. She was the first Tenant Liaison at CHC. Tenant Liaisons are CHC’s social workers, each of them is registered with the Alberta College of Social Workers. They connect residents to resources, help them get settled in CHC, help keep them housed, and advocate for the residents.

Originally from Toronto, Suzanne started at CHC when she first moved to Calgary. She credits her creativity as a part of what helped her initially succeed in her role. In her first six months she made over 100 connections with agencies across Calgary. “We had issues with tenancy retention. So I started interviewing residents to see where they needed to be and where their supports were.” For one building that meant connecting with the psychiatric nurses who were working with some of the residents. Connecting the residents with external supports helped strengthen the connection between CHC and the resident.

When advocating for residents “maintaining housing is key. I’m creative and work with multiple agencies to keep people housed. There was one resident I connected to an income tax clinic, so she could get her taxes done, get back on AISH (Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped) and keep her residence.”

In addition to building relationships with different agencies, Suzanne builds strong relationships with residents as well. “At community events adults will come up to me and share memories from when they were a child. They’ll tell me about how I took them to the zoo or somewhere else. And they always give me a hug.”

Suzanne’s ability to engage with young people has been a key strength, “When there are challenges connecting with the parents, reaching out to the kids is a great way to build trust with the family.” One program she has introduced at the CHC Edgemont complex where she is Tenant Liaison is Soccer without Boundaries. It is run by a fellow named Jean Claude and the Edgemont Community Association. Jean works closely with the parents to help the kids succeed. This includes covering fuel costs or ordering taxis when transportation is a barrier to kids participating. This is just one of the many programs Suzanne has helped implement across CHC.

When asked about resident successes, Suzanne shares the story of an elderly resident. She was on oxygen with a long cord and Suzanne would go and visit her once a week to check in. When she eventually moved on to supportive living, her son called to say how much he appreciated those visits, because they had greatly helped cut down his mother’s isolation and had even helped her connect with the family next door.

Suzanne says that while university was very theoretical, on the job she quickly learnt how to connect with people. “Travel taught me about working with different cultures.” And “I’m a good listener, part of that is being okay with silence. I can be calm and listen and wait for people to speak.”

After several decades of experience as a Tenant Liaison with CHC, Suzanne says she has been fortunate to work with so many residents, CHC staff and community partners to help enhance the lives of those who live in affordable housing.

“A lot of people don’t know about affordable housing, they don’t understand what it is. Most people see CHC as low income, but it’s a lot more than that. A lot of agencies don’t even know what affordable housing is.” For many residents, the support and engagement provided by social workers like Suzanne and the rest of CHC’s Tenant Liaison team, an affordable home is the foundation of a better life.

Suzanne is the Tenant Liaison at CHC’s Edgemont building, which has 84 units of provincially regulated social housing. It was built in 1982 and houses families in two to five bedroom units. Tenant Liaison’s at CHC do an incredible range of work for residents and in developing the community at each site. While Social Work Week (March 7 to 13) is an opportunity to recognize their contributions, we greatly appreciate the work they do year round and the impact they have for our residents.

The post Social Work Week: A Tenant Liaison’s Story on Making Residents’ Lives Better appeared first on Calgary Housing.

COVID-19 Update – Restrictions Ending

editor_user — Tue, 01 Mar 2022 15:45:44 +0000

COVID-19 Update

On Saturday, Feb. 26, 2022 the Government of Alberta announced its decision to proceed to Step 2 of its Return to Normal plan on March 1 (Alberta to lift almost all remaining health restrictions | alberta.ca).

Effective March 1, 2022 the following changes to CHC’s business operations will be implemented:

Face coverings are no longer required in common areas and hallways of CHC managed properties.

Scheduled maintenance in occupied units will commence on March 1, 2022.
Common areas to open at full occupancy.
Programs and events are permitted on all CHC managed sites.
Outdoor patios will open, weather permitting.
Indoor and outdoor social gatherings are permitted.

Front counters will remain closed. Please continue to use our online and telephone contact options.

As self-isolation is still required for those with COVID-19 in order to prevent transmission, CHC will maintain the following until the Government of Alberta moves to Step 3:

Residents are to continue reporting COVID-19 infections to their Property Manager and Tenant Liaison. CHC keeps this information confidential and uses it to provide residents with support during self-isolation and monitors our properties to prevent an outbreak on a CHC site.
CHC will continue to as screening questions for COVID-19 prior to scheduling maintenance work. If a person in the household has COVID-19, the work will be scheduled after their self-isolation is complete. If the work is an emergency, the work will proceed with staff using the appropriate Personal Protective Equipment.
Hygiene protocols and social distancing will continue to minimize transmission as we “Return to Normal”

For detailed, current information on Provincial restrictions and guidance, please visit the Government of Alberta site: COVID-19 Public Health Actions

Click here to view March 1 Government of Alberta Information Release on Restriction Changes

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Residents May See Staff Changes as CHC Transforms to Improve Service

editor_user — Fri, 14 Jan 2022 21:20:32 +0000

Residents May See Staff Changes as CHC Transforms to Improve Service

As 2022 kicks off, Calgary Housing Company residents can expect to see some changes in our organization and in the staff supporting our operations.

Over the past couple of years, CHC has gone through a process we call Transform Calgary Housing – an effort to develop the organization to better serve our customers, to work more effectively with government, and to make sure we will be sustainable to keep providing service for years to come.

The results of this effort are now being put in place including some changes in how staff are organized to provide the best possible service.

What does this mean for our residents?

A primary goal of our transformation is to improve customer service and the experiences of our residents. As a result, there has been a re-organization of our Customer Experience department and some changes to staff roles.

At some of our properties, this will result in staff changes such as new Property Managers, Housing Administrators and Tenant Liaisons. Where such changes are happening, residents will receive letters with details of any changes and contact information. Click here to download the “Who to Call” brochure.

Thank you for your patience throughout this transition – we look forward to continuing to offer you a great place to live and call home!

The post Residents May See Staff Changes as CHC Transforms to Improve Service appeared first on Calgary Housing.

Residents Safe After Early Morning Fire in Montgomery

editor_user — Tue, 21 Dec 2021 21:02:58 +0000

Residents Safe After Early Morning Fire in Montgomery

Eleven people from three households have been forced from their homes following a fire at a Calgary Housing Company-managed townhouse complex in Montgomery this morning. There were no injuries reported among those displaced.

The fire at the property, located in the 4500 block of Montgomery Ave NW, was reported at approximately 4:00am Tuesday, Dec. 21 and was extinguished by the Calgary Fire Department by 8:30am. CFD continues to investigate the cause of the fire and attend to hotspots on the scene.

“We are very grateful that everyone was able to get out of their homes without injury,” says CHC VP Customer Experience Meaghan Bell, “the CFD crews that responded did an amazing job and have been assisting residents by recovering valuables where possible.”

The fire impacted a building with four townhomes – three of which were occupied with one vacant. None of the affected units will be suitable for re-occupancy.

CHC has identified a number of available vacant units and is working with residents to determine the best options for relocating to new homes. The transfers into new homes could begin as soon as today for some of the affected residents depending on their needs and location requirements.

Residents are sheltering with family or will be put up in hotel until they are able to relocate into new homes.

CHC’s Resident Support staff are also working with residents to ensure they are able to connect to community resources for support.

Statement from Calgary Fire Department

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Welcome to CHC’s Updated Home on the Web

editor_user — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 22:17:28 +0000

Welcome to CHC’s Updated Home on the Web

If you’ve visited us online before, you will likely notice that we’ve refreshed the look and feel of our site!

This revised site is the result of some back end work we’ve done to make the site run a bit smoother and more efficiently – we hope it will enhance your experience of the site.

There are a few changes to the way content is presented – but the site has the same core information and functions as the previous version.

We’re looking forward to bringing out an enhanced site with new functionality and tools for applicants and residents later in 2022 – stay tuned!

The post Welcome to CHC’s Updated Home on the Web appeared first on Calgary Housing.

Province Provides Highlights of Affordable Housing Strategy for Residents

editor_user — Wed, 03 Nov 2021 16:50:20 +0000

Province Provides Highlights of Affordable Housing Strategy for Residents

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.

The post Province Provides Highlights of Affordable Housing Strategy for Residents appeared first on Calgary Housing.

Getting Ready for a Safe Summer

difm_admin — Fri, 28 May 2021 16:31:06 +0000

Getting Ready for a Safe Summer

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.

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.

At home fire safety tips

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

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.

The post Getting Ready for a Safe Summer appeared first on Calgary Housing.