Affordable housing unit ready for more tenants
Final phase of construction complete on Horizon Housing’s new building
The final phase of an affordable housing project in the community of Glamorgan wrapped up Wednesday and is set to welcome more than 50 Calgarians into their new homes.
The 45 newly finished units will become home to low-income families, people fleeing domestic violence, those experiencing mobility or mental-health challenges, seniors and people coming from homelessness. Horizon Housing ’s project Horizon View is now a 210unit building and is the largest affordable housing development in the city in years, according to a news release.
“People need homes, and study after study shows that housing costs less than homelessness. The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted just how important housing is. A lack of affordable, safe housing has never been so urgent to health and well-being,” said Martina Jileckova, CEO of Horizon Housing.
The units are a mix of one-, two- and three-bedroom units, as well as three-bedroom townhomes with bonus rooms, and 20 per cent of the homes were made accessible and easily adaptable for residents with mobility concerns. It’s expected to house more than 300 people now that both phases are complete.
When the first 165 units opened in 2019, resident Drew Cade moved into the building after several other housing options fell through because he needs a hospital-sized bed, which was too large for most bedrooms, due to his health issues.
He worked in the logging industry for years before the hard labour took a physical toll and his shoulders gave out, requiring several surgeries. He couldn’t return to his job.
“I loved every bit of it and built a reputation as a hard worker. Guys couldn’t keep up with me,” said Cade. “Soon after that, my lungs started giving me trouble.”
He now uses oxygen to aid his breathing. He had previously lived with his sister for nine years but was in the “hidden homeless population,” which is someone with a roof over their head but their housing is precarious.
“This place feels like home for me. I haven’t had that feeling in a long time.” Cade said. “I couldn’t imagine living through the COVID-19 pandemic without a home.”
To comply with recommendations from Alberta Health, most people in Calgary have been staying at home and leaving only when it’s necessary, but Calgarians without homes have had an entirely different experience. There are nearly 3,000 people experiencing homelessness in the city.
Horizon Housing’s affordable housing project was funded by local philanthropists, community investment through the RESOLVE campaign and the government of Alberta, which contributed $4.3 million toward the second phase opening Wednesday.
Seniors and Housing Minister Josephine Pon said the investment has created 31 jobs.
The municipal government is rebating development fees through the Housing Incentive Program and covered a portion of the pre-development costs, said Mayor Naheed Nenshi.
“We have a lot of work to do to meet our city’s need for affordable housing, and Horizon Housing is one of our best partners in making that happen,” said Nenshi.
“Having a chance at a life of dignity and opportunity starts with having a safe and reliable place to call home. In the midst of the COVID -19 pandemic, the need for more and expanded affordable housing has never been more obvious.”