Targeting Housing Insecurity
In 2021, True North recognized a need
Access to safe, affordable housing remains the single greatest barrier to successful transition from Emergency Shelter. As the housing shortage continues to grow, more and more of our vulnerable community members are facing crisis. There is a critical need for action. True North is working to be a leader in delivering housing solutions for those impacted by domestic violence in our community.
Affordable Housing: Helping to Interrupt the Cycle of Violence
This past fiscal year (2023- 2024), our organization served over 6,000 individuals across all programs. True North received 1,959 total calls to our crisis line, with 1,079 shelter admission requests. Unfortunately, 901 individuals and families were not admitted, with almost 2/3 of those due to capacity. The remaining individuals turned away were due to calls that did not fit our mandate or support requests that were beyond the scope of our current operations. We also observed that our client’s average length of stay increased from 18 days to 24 days. Upon leaving shelter, we found only 18% of clients were discharged to transitional housing.
Housing Insecurity a Growing Barrier
Housing continues to remain a critical issue because of the current state of inflation and lack of affordable housing. Our affordable housing project (with second-stage units) will be 3-stories containing 36 units: a mix of studio, 1-bedroom, 2-bedroom, and 3-bedroom units. We aim to build commercial space on the main floor with a licensed daycare facility and fitness centre. True North’s services and programs will be operational out of this building. Additionally, counselling, prevention and outreach services, child and youth interventions and supports, and other community groups will continue to be provided in this new space.
True North’s affordable housing project we will be better able to address the needs of those fleeing domestic violence. This project will also help us provide care to families, individuals, and children while addressing challenges that our organization and sector are currently experiencing.
With more comprehensive mental health and low-barrier early intervention & prevention services, True North can help more people break the cycle of violence, and create a more resilient future for all. The affordable housing project will promote positive early childhood development and create more protective factors for families, thus decreasing future experiences of adversity. This project will impact thousands of families and individuals in to the future!
Targeting Housing Insecurity is a Community Effort
We know we cannot do this alone. We endeavour to continue to collaborate with stakeholders, other community agencies and key regional partners.
Our team continues to work with the Calgary Foundation, CMHC, Grant Advisors, Women’s Shelters Canada, the Provincial and Municipal Government and our community to fund the building of this project.
We are so grateful to our Board of Directors and staff for setting True North up for success to move forward with the affordable housing project. Thank you to Riddell Kurczaba Architecture Interior Design Engineering of Calgary, Alberta for supporting with getting construction ready. And thanks to Altus Group of Calgary, Alberta for your support with project management.
Questions or ideas for support? Please reach out to CourtneyH@truenorthab.com.
Together we can interrupt the cycle of violence and create a safe environment for all!