New funding being providing to Alberta’s 48 community housing providers will help support the maintenance of units, including in rural areas, says Jason Nixon, minister of seniors, community and social service and Sundre-area MLA.
Nixon announced a one-time increase of $21 million in operating funds, bringing the total to $75 million in 2024-25. The money will be used to cover day-to-day expenses such as staffing, routine maintenance, managing waitlists, supplies and utilities.
“With the cost of living rising, demand is rapidly growing,” Nixon said during a Tuesday press conference. “In consultation with our housing providers, it was clear that more funding was needed to meet the increased demand and keep operations running smoothly.
“This funding will be distributed to all housing providers across the province that operate family and community housing. By ensuring operations run smoothly, we can ensure that vulnerable and low-income Albertans have affordable places to call home.”
Housing providers receiving funding include the Barrhead & District Social Housing Association, Bow Valley Regional Housing (Canmore), Westwinds Communities (Okotoks), Lakeland Lodge and Housing Foundation (Bonnyville area), Mountain View Seniors' Housing, and The Bethany Group Central Alberta area.
More than 100,000 Albertans live in more than 60,000 government-subsidized homes in the province, Nixon said.
Community housing is defined as a mix of single-family homes, apartments and townhomes where rent is based on 30 per cent of household income.
Gord Johnson, CEO of Civida, an affordable housing provider, also took part in Tuesday’s press conference.
“This investment underscores our shared commitment to ensuring that more individuals and families have access to safe and affordable housing,” said Johnson.
The new funding will allow housing providers to address inflationary pressures, he said.
This was originally published in Mountain View Today: www.mountainviewtoday.ca/local-news/alberta-government-boosts-operating-funding-for-housing-providers-8607316.
