Whitehorn/Horizon

HomeSpace is a non-profit that builds, owns and operates non-market housing in Calgary, Alberta. We have a portfolio of 927 units across 35 properties – serving over 1300 residents. Our focus is on Calgary’s most vulnerable populations, ensuring their needs are met through safe, affordable housing. Each property serves the unique needs of a specific population through strong partnerships with social services agencies who provide wrap-around supports and keep residents connected with the resources they need to thrive. This model of collaboration provides immense value to donors, government, and the Calgary community. 

Please see our About page for more information.

Families with children.

On September 16, 2023, Calgary City Council directed Administration to dedicate two City-owned sites to develop housing to support families with children who are at risk of or experiencing homelessness, as part of The City’s Housing Strategy in response to the housing crisis in Calgary.

Families must qualify based on need and income as determined by Calgary’s Coordinated Access & Assessment system. To learn more about this process, visit this link.

The intent for both sites is to provide homes for families with children for a temporary period of time, bridging the gap from homelessness to permanent housing. These families will be provided with on-site supports to help them reach a level of stability that will allow them to gradually transition to market housing. Children go to school, parents secure stable employment and receive the care they need to address barriers to housing.

Residents pay monthly rent based on income, are required to adhere to guest management and other house rules, and voluntarily participate in activities and supports provided by our partner agency.

Homelessness does not belong in anyone’s backyard – that is why it is so important we work together to end it. Ending homelessness needs community.

When The City selected these sites, it took a wide number of considerations into account. This included: the size of the parcel so that it could accommodate a development that would support families with children, as well as proximity to public transit, schools, grocery stores and other commercial amenities.

This location will ensure families are close to the resources they need.

It takes every Calgarian’s commitment to seek change and to work together to create liveable, sustainable and inclusive communities. When we provide housing with support for families experiencing homelessness, they have the resources to rebuild their lives at home within a community of support.

No. Various studies show that supportive housing does not lead to increased rates of crime. Research was conducted in Vancouver, Toronto and Denver.

City of Vancouver: http://vancouver.ca/people-programs/supportive-housing-in-your-neighbourhood.aspx & Supportive Housing Strategy for Vancouver Coastal Health’s Mental Health & Addictions Supportive Housing Framework, June 2007. City of Vancouver.

deWolff, A. (2008). We Are the Neighbours: The Impact of Supportive Housing on Community, Social, Economic and Attitude Changes. Toronto, ON: Wellesley Institute.

George Galster, Kathryn Pettit, Anna Santiago, and Peter Tatian. The Impact of Supportive Housing On Neighbourhood Crime Rates. Journal of Urban Affairs. Volume 24, Issue 3, pages 289–315, Fall 2002.

We have proposed ample parking on-site and, most of our residents do not own cars. Due to proximity to the C-train line, these developments are designed to be pedestrian-friendly, and should not impact parking in the area.

A range of communication efforts have been undertaken to keep stakeholders informed and engaged. These began with a review and update of website content through a communications audit. The project website includes the most up-to-date information about the project. Key interactions included meetings with the Whitehorn Community Association (WCA), the Ward 10 Office, and local administration to discuss the project.

Our project team is committed to being mindful of the design to ensure it blends well with the surrounding environment, while still prioritizing affordability.

Housing is needed throughout Calgary. This includes market rentals, below-market units, and dedicated affordable housing.

It is important that we welcome housing in all forms across the city to accommodate incoming and existing Calgarians. Affordable housing ensures families thrive, young people establish themselves, and seniors can age in place.

Affordable Housing refers to units that are rented at below market rate, in this case managed by HomeSpace and our agency partners to support our residents.

We take pride in the design and maintenance of our buildings. Like all property owners, we are passionate about maintenance and upkeep to retain asset value. While the residents may be lower income, our buildings are designed to blend into the community and to not only be aesthetically pleasing but to also conform to the architectural character of the neighbourhood.

Research shows that there is no negative impact on property values associated with social housing. Canadian research has been conducted on social housing sites in Vancouver, 7 social housing properties throughout British Columbia (Kelowna, Surrey, North Vancouver, Vancouver, Nanaimo, Esquimalt and Victoria), and Toronto.

Calgary-specific research was conducted in early 2018 by Avison Young. This research looked at the prices of residential properties in close proximity to 2 current buildings that HomeSpace owns and operates with a partner agency that provides supports to our residents.

This independent research found that there was no negative impact on residential property values in proximity to these 2 permanent supported housing apartment buildings. The analysis indicated that long-term residential values for dwellings located close to the properties are no different than value changes evident much farther away.

HomeSpace does not rent directly to tenants, but accepts referrals for residents from Calgary’s Coordinated Access Assessment system. See the “Get Housing” section of this website for details about how to get on a list for affordable housing.