In 2021, True North recognized a need.
Access to safe, affordable housing remains the single greatest barrier to successful transition from Emergency Shelter for those we serve. 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.
Interrupting the Cycle of Violence
This past fiscal year (2023- 2024), True North served over 6,000 individuals across all programs and received 1,959 total calls to our crisis line, with 1,079 shelter admission requests. 901 individuals and families were not admitted, with almost 2/3 of those due to capacity. The remaining turnaways were due to calls that did not fit our mandate or support requests that were beyond the scope of our current operations. We observed client’s average length of stay increase from 18 days to 24 days; only 18% of clients were discharged to transitional housing.
Affordable Housing a Growing Barrier
Housing continues to remain a critical issue, sadly, because of the current state of inflation and lack of affordable housing. True North’s 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, where we will provide counselling services, prevention and outreach, child and youth interventions and supports, and other space for community groups.
Our affordable housing project we will be able to better address the needs of those fleeing domestic violence and provide care to families, individuals, and children, and help us address the challenges that our organization, team, sector and families are experiencing. With more comprehensive mental health supports available, and an increase in our ability to serve more people with low-barrier early intervention and prevention supports and services, True North can help people break the cycle of violence, and create a more resilient future for all. This project will help impact early childhood development, create more protective factors for families who are experiencing violence and decrease future experiences of adversity. This project will impact thousands of families and individuals into the future.
Targeting Housing Insecurity 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.
We continue 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.
Thank you to our Board of Directors and staff for setting True North up for success to move forward with an affordable housing project. Thank you to Riddell Kurczaba Architecture Interior Design Engineering of Calgary, Alberta for supporting with getting construction ready. Thank you 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.