Today, Habitat for Humanity Southern Alberta celebrated the completion of the first units in an affordable housing development that will span an entire city block, one year after breaking ground. These 24 homes in Livingston are an addition to four homes that were completed in the same community in 2023.
All of these homes are thanks to an incredible amount of support from the federal and provincial governments, sponsors, donors and volunteers. They will offer local families the opportunity to build strength, stability and independence through affordable homeownership, and positively impact the lives of more than 60 children.
"This project is a leap forward for affordable housing in Calgary and for the 24 families who will be the proud owners of these homes,” said Gerrad Oishi, Habitat for Humanity Southern Alberta President and CEO. “The parents of these families are doing everything right by working hard and saving diligently. But, as housing becomes increasingly expensive, they find themselves unable to keep pace. These homes will allow families to build stability and financial independence.”
Since 2019, the Government of Canada has made a total funding commitment of $6.5 million through the Affordable Housing Fund under the National Housing Strategy towards Habitat Southern Alberta projects, including these homes in Livingston. This funding commitment includes a Black Families Funding investment of $2.1 million.
“Organizations like Habitat for Humanity play a crucial role in helping Canadians find a safe and secure place to call home," said George Chahal, Member of Parliament for Calgary Skyview. "Our strong partnership with Habitat for Humanity enables us to build more affordable homes right here in Calgary. Congratulations to the families who will be moving into their new homes and all the best as you embark on this exciting new chapter."
In March of 2023, the Government of Canada and Habitat for Humanity Canada announced an additional $25 million investment to build 500 new affordable homes across Canada over the next three years. This brings the total federal investment in Habitat for Humanity to $80.8 million through the Government of Canada’s Affordable Housing Fund.
In Calgary, one in five families cannot afford their housing, according to the 2023 Housing Needs Assessment by The City of Calgary. These Habitat homes will be permanent fixtures in the affordable housing landscape, positively impacting generations of local families.
“I want to extend my congratulations to Habitat for Humanity Southern Alberta on the Livingston Home Dedication. These new affordable townhomes will make homeownership a reality for 24 families in Calgary. Affordable housing remains a priority for our government and this project is a great example of how partnerships like these can make a real difference in the lives of Albertans,” said Jason Nixon, Minister of Seniors, Community and Social Services.
In addition to government funding, this project has received generous financial support from Sagen, Hockey Helps the Homeless, Prosser Charitable Foundation, Shaw Family Foundation, Honda Canada and the Sharon Danish Lutheran Church.
Thad is a Habitat homeowner who spoke at the Home Dedication about the impact that affordable homeownership has had on his family. He bought his Habitat home with his wife Lisa and their three daughters 20 years ago. The financial independence provided by their partnership with Habitat for Humanity allowed Thad to get a post-secondary education and secure a better job to provide for his family.
"We would most certainly not have gotten as far as we have without Habitat for Humanity," Thad said. "Our daughters have a safe, affordable place to live," Lisa added.
Habitat for Humanity is rising to meet the need for affordable housing in Southern Alberta. Last year, Habitat delivered more than $10 million in affordable housing, with plans for an additional $24 million underway, including these homes in Livingston.
Families purchase their homes at fair market value through Habitat’s unique mortgage with no down payment, no interest and monthly payments customized to each family’s income. This allows them to build financial stability and independence. As part of their partnership with Habitat, families volunteer 500 hours, including time participating in the construction of Habitat homes and volunteering at the Habitat ReStores.