How you can help

Rental rates remain unaffordable for many low-income households, particularly those working minimum wage jobs, seniors who rely solely on government pensions and those on other forms of social assistance. Additionally, Calgary has the fewest non-market units of any major Canadian city with only 3.6% of Calgary’s housing supply being below market vs the National average of 6%. High rental rates paired with low affordable housing stock has created an affordable housing crisis in our city. In Calgary alone, over 80,000 households struggle to cover their housing costs.

Generating Affordable Possibilities (GAP)

Many of the families we house report having had to choose between paying rent and putting food on the table or purchasing necessary medication. We don’t believe that anyone should have to sacrifice basic needs to stay housed. Thanks to the generosity of our donors, Forward Housing has given many households the gift of stability and a safe and affordable place to call home.

Capital Needs

Calgary needs more affordable housing. We have the lowest percentage of non-market units amongst major Canadian cities and most of the housing stock is more than 30 years old.

Creating new affordable housing through the construction of new buildings and conversion of existing market units is critical to ensuring the sustainability of affordable housing in our community.

Forward Housing Association was part of the Calgary Collaborative Capital Campaign for Affordable Housing (formerly known as the RESOLVE Campaign). While the success of that campaign allowed us to build Bishop’s Manor, the city still needs approximately 15,000 Affordable Housing units to reach the national average. Forward Housing is committed to raising capital to create more affordable housing for those who need it most.

If you are interested in donating capital dollars, please contact [email protected]

Programming

Thanks to your donations, Forward Housing is able to offer our tenants more than just a home. From holiday hampers through the Bridgeland Elves project to Welcome Home Bundles to community gardening, Forward Housing offers a variety of programs that are centered around improving tenants’ quality of life.

Whether you want to ensure a family has a gift to open on Christmas morning, provide cleaning supplies for someone transitioning from homelessness, or support programs that help strengthen community amongst our tenants, your donations towards this fund will provide support to some of Calgary’s most vulnerable residents.

Learn more about our programs.

For some of our residents rent still takes up most of their income.

Through the GAP (Generating Affordable Possibilities) program, you can subsidize rent to residents, so rent is no more than 30% of their income. Rent subsidies allow residents to afford basic necessities, such as food, medicine, extra-curricular activities or a Christmas gift for their children.

See the difference your donations make