In a recent study, Habitat Canada found the majority of Canadians believe the inability to own a home is having an impact beyond individuals; it is contributing to the wealth gap in Canada and to a shrinking middle class.
Many middle-income families are finding themselves in a frustrating position. They are doing everything right—working hard, saving diligently, and contributing to their communities—but still can’t achieve the dream of homeownership.
These families are part of the “missing middle,” and Habitat for Humanity Southern Alberta is here to help them bridge the gap into homeownership.
Who are the "missing middle"?
The “missing middle” includes families who earn too much to qualify for social housing but not enough to afford market-priced homes. Despite steady incomes and responsible savings habits, the rising cost of housing and the significant hurdle of saving for a down payment make homeownership unachievable.
These families include essential workers like teachers, healthcare aides, transit workers, and tradespeople — people who are vital to our community but still struggle to find affordable housing.
84% of Calgary residents agree that buying a home has become a luxury.
(according to Habitat Canada's 2024 Affordable Housing Survey)
At Habitat for Humanity Southern Alberta, we believe everyone deserves a stable place to call home. Our affordable homeownership program is designed to help the “missing middle” by removing barriers to homeownership.
Kateryna stands with her daughter (age 7) and mother in front of her affordable Habitat for Humanity home in Calgary.
No down payment, no interest
One of the biggest challenges middle-income families face on their journey to becoming homeowners is saving for a down payment. Our program eliminates this barrier by offering mortgages with no down payment and no interest.
This means families can purchase their own homes without needing to save tens of thousands of dollars.
Albertans (46%) and Ontarians (46%) worry the most about saving enough money for a down payment to buy a home, compared to residents of other provinces surveyed. (according to Habitat Canada's 2024 Affordable Housing Survey)
Homeowner Kateryna stands in front of her affordable home in Calgary.
Affordable mortgage payments
We ensure that Habitat homeowner’s monthly mortgage payments are no more than 30 percent of their gross income. This structure makes homeownership not only attainable but also sustainable, allowing families to manage their finances without sacrificing other essential needs.
55% of Calgary residents are spending 50% or more of their household income on housing costs (e.g. rent, mortgage and maintenance, etc.) (according to Habitat Canada's 2024 Affordable Housing Survey)
Why homeownership matters
Homeownership is more than just having a place to live; it’s about stability, security, and building futures for families to truly thrive.
By partnering with Habitat for Humanity, families gain a sense of pride and accomplishment. They also contribute to the construction of their homes, gaining valuable skills and forming strong community bonds.
Homeowner Kateryna hugs her daughter in the kitchen of their affordable Habitat for Humanity home.
A real-life success story
Kateryna, a single mother to seven-year-old Erika, faced a decade of housing instability, moving ten times due to escalating rents and poor living conditions. Despite working three jobs and holding a master’s degree, homeownership felt like an impossible dream as housing costs soared.
Sharing a cramped one-bedroom apartment with her daughter and parents, Kateryna was determined to create a better future for her family.
When she learned about Habitat for Humanity Southern Alberta, she applied, not expecting much. To her delight, she was selected, marking the beginning of a new chapter. Erika now dreams of having her own room, a place for her books, and a desk for schoolwork—essentials that seemed out of reach before.
Kateryna is deeply grateful to Habitat supporters, emphasizing that stable housing is foundational for a child’s development and a family’s ability to thrive. For her, this home represents more than just a roof over their heads—it’s a chance for her family to build stability, hope, and a brighter future. Thanks to Habitat for Humanity, Kateryna can finally focus on creating lasting memories in a safe and secure home.
Read the full story here.
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Erika, daughter of Habitat homeowner Kateryna, holds out an apple from the tree that grows in their new front yard.
When you donate to Habitat for Humanity, you're helping to make the cost of home something every family can afford.
We know the complexities that surround the cost of home. We also know the struggle, stress and pain of far too many families in our communities. Those with the fewest resources are forced to make the hardest choices.
We all have to take a stand and declare our commitment to ensure that no family has to pay more than half of their paycheck to cover the cost of home.
