The next round of funding through the Government of Alberta’s Affordable Housing Partnership Program is open for applications from community partners.
“The Affordable Housing Partnership Program fosters collaborative work and prioritizes the goal of making sure all Albertans have access to safe, stable, affordable housing,” said Jason Nixon, minister of seniors, community and social services, and MLA for Rimbey-Rocky Mountain House-Sundre.
“By working together with our municipal, non-profit and private sector partners, we will ensure we can deliver a variety of affordable housing options to meet local needs.”
Through this round of funding, Alberta’s government will provide $68 million to support innovative and sustainable affordable housing solutions for low-income Albertans. Public, non-profit and private sector partners can submit their affordable housing projects for funding until Oct. 16.
The first round of funding closed in January, resulting in the approval of $124.7 million in funding for 30 projects. The program has supported more than 1,100 affordable housing units across Alberta.
Arlene Adamson, Alberta Seniors and Community Housing Association president, said a second round of the Affordable Housing Partnership Program comes at a time “when Alberta’s population is rapidly growing, increasing the need for all housing, especially affordable housing options.”
“We are appreciative of government, under Minister Jason Nixon’s leadership, for committing another funding round, which is another important step to ensure we meet Alberta’s affordable housing needs,” Adamson said.
The lone Central Alberta project that received funding during the first round of the Affordable Housing Partnership Program was Hope Mission’s Wetaskiwin Shelter and Transitional Housing project, which received $3.2 million.
Funding for Alberta’s Affordable Housing Partnership Program is provided through the National Housing Strategy 10-year bilateral agreement between the governments of Canada and Alberta.
All the proposals for the second round of funding will be assessed based on the local community needs, ability to achieve outcomes for Albertans with low income and value for taxpayer money.
Details on eligibility and the application process can be found on the provincial government’s website.
Janis Irwin, Alberta NDP critic for housing, said working Alberta families are “being forced” to dedicate more of their income to keep a roof over their heads due to a housing crisis in the province.
“We have called for an all-party committee to meet and take action on this real housing crisis impacting Albertans,” Irwin said.
“Danielle Smith’s failure to address soaring housing costs is a major driver of homelessness and increased burdens on our health and justice systems. Every Albertan deserves a home.”
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