Calgary, AB – Today, Habitat for Humanity Southern Alberta hosted its first Home Dedication since 2019, celebrating the completion of the first phase of affordable townhomes in the Northeast Calgary community of Cornerstone. This event highlights the completion of the units and families taking possession of, and moving into, their new affordable homes. These hard-working families are community members who are looking forward to becoming homeowners and creating a stable future for their children. Hundreds of donors, sponsors, community partners, and volunteers worked together to make these homes possible, and many of them were in attendance at the Home Dedication celebration.
“We are so proud to be welcoming these families to their new affordable homes,” says Gerrad Oishi, CEO and President of Habitat for Humanity Southern Alberta. “These parents have worked incredibly hard, not only with their volunteer hours, but each and every day to provide for their families and this next step will allow their hard work to create the financial security and independence that they deserve.”
Since 2019, the Government of Canada has made a total funding commitment of $5,827,000 towards Habitat Southern Alberta projects, including these Cornerstone homes. This funding commitment from the National Housing Co-Investment Fund includes a Black Families Funding investment of $2,058,000.
“The Government of Canada’s 10-year, $82+ billion National Housing Strategy is working to build affordable homes for those who need them the most — including right here in Calgary. We are proud partners in this project with Habitat for Humanity, and I am thrilled that thanks to this partnership, more families will have an affordable place to call home as of today,” said George Chalal, Member of Parliament for Calgary Skyview.
The Government of Alberta has played a pivotal role in supporting the realization of these homes in Cornerstone, recognizing the profound impact that secure and stable housing has on the fabric of strong communities. Since 2019 the Government of Alberta has committed $4.9 million for a total of 49 units across Habitat projects, which includes $1.1 million for 11 units at Cornerstone.
"I would like to congratulate Habitat for Humanity Southern Alberta for providing safe, stable, affordable housing to families who need it,” says Jason Nixon, Alberta Minister of Seniors, Community and Social Services. “Now more than ever we must work together to deliver creative solutions to tackle affordability and the Cornerstone Development is a great example of how partnerships between the non-profit and private sectors and government can improve and expand affordable housing for Albertans."
Every Habitat home is the result of support from all levels of government as well as our generous community. This project has been aided by financial contributions from numerous sponsors, donors, and community partners, including the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, the Government of Alberta, and the Gerald A Cooper-Key Foundation, among numerous other generous donors.
In addition to Habitat receiving financial support for this project, many tradespeople, contractors, and suppliers stepped forward to donate materials and labour, with more than 19,000 hours volunteered by supporters of Habitat for Humanity Southern Alberta.
Hamdi, a single mother to 4 children, 2 of whom have special needs, is one of the proud new homeowners in Cornerstone. Hamdi works as a developmental aide with young children and is exceptionally compassionate in her role with the children and families. For Hamdi, homeownership signifies stability, security, and newfound tranquility for her family. "I recognize that I’m getting older, and the support from Habitat for Humanity will alleviate some of the worries that lay heavy in my heart,” says Hamdi. “Despite the challenges I have had to fight in life, I still hold onto a brighter future for my children... Encouraging me and helping me in achieving my dream of a stable home for my kids.”
Hamdi's transition from Calgary Housing to the Cornerstone development, alongside numerous other families, facilitates increased capacity within the Calgary Housing Foundation to provide shelter for other vulnerable families across Southern Alberta.
These homes are part of several affordable home ownership developments in Calgary, including 2 duplexes and 24 townhomes in the community of Livingston where ground will be broken in the coming months.