Collaboration Leads to New Affordable Housing for Homeless Calgarians

CALGARY, ALBERTA--(Marketwired - June 9, 2015) - Another significant step is being taken today towards achieving the goal of housing 3,200 people experiencing chronic and episodic homelessness as stated in Calgary's Plan to End Homelessness. The Calgary Homeless Foundation's (CHF) commitment is to build 240 units of housing over the next three years through the RESOLVE Campaign. There are 30 units coming on-stream this September and today will mark the kick-off for construction of an additional 49 units, 25 fully accessible units in Hillhurst Sunnyside and 24 units of supported affordable housing in Crescent Heights.

Calgary homebuilder, StreetSide Developments: A Qualico Company, has committed up to $1.4 million to construct Aurora on the Park (832 10^th St NW) in Hillhurst Sunnyside.

"Qualico believes that everyone deserves to have a place to call home," says Glynn Hendry, Regional Vice President for Qualico. "Which is why being part of the RESOLVE Campaign made sense. It allows our industry to get involved and make a tangible difference and we're thrilled to be here today to kick start our project."

Morrison Homes will contribute up to $1.4 million to build Providence House in Crescent Heights (426 & 428 2^nd Ave NE), with occupancy for both buildings targeted for the summer of 2016.

"In a city as well off as Calgary, it's distressing and unfathomable that there are individuals and families living without the dignity and protection of home," says Al Morrison, Chairman, Morrison Homes. "As a company that's been building homes for Calgary families for over 50 years, Morrison Homes is very proud to be part of this great effort organized by RESOLVE and the Calgary Homeless Foundation, and to give alongside other reputable home builders. Together, we can make our goal of ending homelessness a reality and make this city an even better place for everyone to live."

The remaining 70% of funds required to construct these two buildings, along with another 5 buildings CHF is projecting to complete within the next three years, are through capital grants from the Government of Alberta. Stepping Stone Manor in the Beltline is the first building under construction with occupancy expected this September. CHF is currently looking to purchase land for the remaining 5 projects.

All eight projects, including land, are expected to cost between $5.0 million and $5.6 million each to complete for buildings of 20 to 30 units. Stepping Stone Manor was built with the support of the Government of Alberta and RESOLVE supporter, and Calgary home builder, Cedarglen Living Inc. It will be fully occupied this fall, 2015. The other 5 projects to be constructed are made possible through grants from the Government of Alberta and similar contributions from ALBI Homes Ltd., Brookfield Residential, Calbridge Homes, Cardel Lifestyles, Homes by Avi, Hopewell Residential, Jayman BUILT Group of Companies, and Shane Homes Ltd.

The Government of Canada, through Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) provided $20,000 through Seed funding grants to support the initial activities required to develop the proposals as well as $200,000 in pre-development interest free loans to help the Calgary Homeless Foundation further develop the proposals.

"Our Government understands that having an affordable place to call home is important to Canadian families and their communities," said the Honourable Michelle Rempel, Minister of State (Western Economic Diversification) and Member of Parliament for Calgary Centre-North, on behalf of the Honourable Candice Bergen, Minister of State (Social Development). "I would like to congratulate all involved with this project as we work to build safe and prosperous communities for all Canadians."

The development permit applications for both these projects received strong support from the community associations of Hillhurst Sunnyside and Crescent Heights. Community consultations began in spring of 2014 and included meeting with the community associations, business revitalization zones and surrounding neighbours.

The celebration of this significant step forward towards ending homelessness will take place today at a kick-off ceremony at the future site of Aurora on the Park (832 10^th St NW) from 2 - 3pm with comments from representatives of the Government of Canada, Government of Alberta and Mayor of Calgary Naheed Nenshi along with representatives from StreetSide Developments: A Qualico Company and Morrison Homes. A detailed agenda is attached.

About CHF

The Calgary Homeless Foundation is a catalyst and enabler for Systems and Service Agencies to optimize client success. CHF focuses on four strategic pillars of work; Advocacy, Research and Development, Systems Planning, and Funding (outcomes). In addition, CHF addresses gaps and identifies best practices to improve the system of care. Through mobilization of collective impact, CHF is committed to moving forward in partnership with the many homeless-serving agencies, the private sector, government partners, the faith community, other foundations and all Calgarians to end homelessness in Calgary once and for all. For more information, visit calgaryhomeless.com.

About RESOLVE

RESOLVE is a tangible and measurable step in helping end homelessness - and the affordable housing crisis - in Calgary. RESOLVE's mission is to raise $120 million to build affordable, sustainable housing for 3,000 homeless and vulnerable Calgarians. Nine respected and established Calgary social agencies have partnered with government, business and community leaders, all resolving to make Calgary a better home - for everyone. Visit resolvecampaign.com for more information.

PROGRAM

The boarding house at 832 10 Street NW is slated for demolition to make room for a 25 unit fully accessible apartment for formerly homeless Calgarians.

To celebrate this new project as well as the beginning of construction of an additional 24 units of supported, affordable housing in Crescent Heights (Providence House), the exterior of the old house at 832 10^th St NW has been transformed into a temporary work of art by This is My City Art Society (TMC) with generous support from a Soul of the City Neighbour Grant at The Calgary Foundation.

Calgary's largest yarn bombing graces the exterior of the site and everyone is invited to make 'welcome wishes' on fabric that will be hung from the edges of the existing structure.

The by invitation only kick-off event will get underway at 2pm with a community event set to follow from 3pm - 7pm.

The program for the kick-off event will include special guest speakers:

• Linda Olsen, Co-Anchor of Global News Hour at 6
• Greetings read on behalf of the Honourable Michelle Rempel, Member of Parliament for Calgary Centre-North
• MLA Brandy Payne, Calgary-Acadia, Government of Alberta
• Mayor of Calgary Naheed Nenshi
• Mr. Alan Norris, Chair CHF Board and RESOLVE Campaign, and President & CEO Brookfield Residential Properties
• Glynn Hendry, Regional Vice-President, Qualico
• Rob Kennedy, Vice-President, Morrison Homes
• Diana Krecsy, President & CEO, CHF

Agenda

2:15	Opening of event by Casey Eagle Speaker - 5 mins
2:20	Welcoming remarks - 3 mins
	Emcee - Linda Olsen, Co-Anchor of Global News Hour at 6
2:23	Federal remarks - 2 mins
	Greetings read on behalf of the Honourable Michelle Rempel, Member of Parliament for Calgary Centre-North
2:25	Provincial remarks - 3 mins
	MLA Brandy Payne, Calgary-Acadia, Government of Alberta
2:28	Municipal remarks - 3 mins
	Mayor Nenshi
2:31	Glynn Hendry, Regional Vice-President, Qualico - 3 mins
2:34	Rob Kennedy, Vice-President, Morrison Homes - 3 mins
2:37	Alan Norris, Chairman of the Board, CHF & RESOLVE Campaign - 4 mins
	Unveiling of building renderings, writing of notes on fabric for house
2:41	Diana Krecsy, President & CEO, Calgary Homeless Foundation - 2 mins
2:43	Closing Remarks, Linda Olsen - 4 mins
2:45	Media availability, pictures with Home Builders/Government
3:00 - 7:00	Community event

Media are invited to attend the formal program on Tuesday June 9, 2015 from 2 to 3 p.m. at 832 10 St. NW.

Photo opportunities and interviews will be available. After the formal program the event will be open to the public from 3 to 7 p.m. and include TMC artists in attendance, music, snacks and an opportunity to look at renderings of the new buildings.