There is currently a extensive need for housing, in the City of Calgary. There is approximately a 3 year wait list for low income housing, over burdened financial rent subsidy programs, and with inflation and the increased cost of living the poverty gap is only increasing and at a exponential rate. Current services that are available include shelters, group homes, emergency bedding for those that are at risk and fleeing domestic abuse all across the province with up to two week waits that could result in life or death. There are also long term care facilities, AISH housing and funded programs, non profit organizational housing, youth shelters, individuals diagnosed with disabilities housing, temporary housing for victims that have been sexually trafficked or victims of sexual abuse. Housing specifically for seniors that have lower financial liquidity in retirement. Residences where multiple generations all live together, unsuitable, inadequate housing and also those without homes. There are not enough homes for this vulnerable population.
According to Community Food Centres Canada 2024 Statistics, Central Calgary or the downtown riding alone has 16,516 people that are classified as living in poverty. This riding is almost double the rates of poverty when compared with provincial rate percentages. The quality of the homes that are available for this population are also low quality & placed in communities with higher rates of violence and crime, furthering the cyclical, compounding and amplifying poverty systems. This not only cost tax payers and organizations that are put in place to combat these very issues, but it cost more long term. It decreases our stability, economy and standard of living. The solution is investing more into building high quality homes and apartment complexes for this vulnerable population throughout the city.
This initiative will create housing for these vulnerable populations, in current low income and low property value areas by building apartment buildings that enhance and impact every person that lives in the City of Calgary. This initiative not only supports vulnerable populations but it impacts you and me.
This initiative will require large financial investments, most large donations will be allocated between the clinics and this project, unless otherwise specified. We will also host multiple dinner events next summer, and all proceeds and donations from these events will go directly towards this specific initiative.
This agenda to end homelessness, will support the physical health of vulnerable populations, so that we can minimize emergency room cost, and the financial burdens caused by continual exposure to the elements, including disease prevention, bacterial and immunobiology, wound care, infections, circulation, and are a start to decreasing the stress that increases cortisol levels that perpetuate and exacerbate underlying mental health concerns.