Support for at-risk homeless in Lethbridge

Minister Pon, Minister Sawhney and Minister Wilson announce funding for new housing units to support people at risk of homelessness in Lethbridge.

The permanent supportive housing project will help people with addiction, mental health and other social and physical challenges.

The Alberta government and the Government of Canada, through Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, will jointly contribute $11 million to build 42 new housing units through the Canada-Alberta bilateral agreement under the National Housing Strategy (NHS).

“Safe and supportive housing is vital for at-risk people. We are proud to invest in this important project for Lethbridge and are grateful for the support of the federal government, City of Lethbridge and other community partners.”

Josephine Pon, Minister of Seniors and Housing

“Our government is dedicated to helping those in need, which is why we are proud to invest in this project in Lethbridge. These new, permanent supportive housing units provide more than just safe and stable places to live, as critical on-site social services will be offered to give residents the tools they need to build a better life for themselves.”

Ahmed Hussen, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development and Minister responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC)

“We are committed to supporting vulnerable Albertans to break the cycle of homelessness to ensure opportunities for inclusion, stability and participation in their communities. I am pleased we are able to support this project.”

Rajan Sawhney, Minister of Community and Social Services

“We all know urban Indigenous people make up a disproportionately higher percentage of people experiencing homelessness in Alberta – and Lethbridge is no exception. I am thrilled to know that there will be more housing units made available which will offer supports to help alleviate these numbers and stem the tide of other social issues that arise from homelessness.”

Rick Wilson, Minister of Indigenous Relations

“We are extremely thankful to the Alberta government for placing a priority on affordable housing for Lethbridge residents who need it. We can now begin to move forward in a tangible way while addressing the serious social issues in our city.”

Chris Spearman, mayor, City of Lethbridge

Seniors and Housing will support the development of the facility, while Community and Social Services will be responsible for the on-site social supports.

Planning and design work is underway and construction will begin later this year. Lethbridge Housing Authority will operate the facility. The project will create about 80 jobs.

Quick facts

  • The Government of Canada is rolling out its NHS, an ambitious 10-year, $55-billion plan that will create 100,000 new housing units and lift 530,000 families out of housing need, as well as repair and renew more than 300,000 housing units and reduce chronic homelessness by 50 per cent.
  • NHS is built on strong partnerships between federal, provincial and territorial governments, and on continuous engagement with others, including municipalities, Indigenous governments and organizations, and the social and private sectors to make a meaningful difference in the lives of Canadians.

Associated links

The Government of Alberta ministry of Seniors and Housing fosters the development of affordable housing and supports access to housing options for Albertans most in need. The ministry works with seniors, their families and caregivers; Albertans who require housing supports; communities and other government partners. A more detailed description of the ministry and its programs and initiatives can be found at alberta.ca/ministry-seniors-housing.aspx.

As Canada's authority on housing, CMHC contributes to the stability of the housing market and financial system, provides support for Canadians in housing need, and offers unbiased housing research and advice to all levels of Canadian government, consumers and the housing industry. CMHC’s aim is that by 2030, everyone in Canada has a home they can afford, and that meets  their needs. For more information, follow us on Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn and Facebook.    

To find out more about the National Housing Strategy, visit placetocallhome.ca.

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Editor's Note: the Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation also issued this news release on Jan. 30, 2020.