CREB® Realtor Community Foundation Fuels Calgary Housing and Shelter Initiatives with $65,000 in Crucial Grants

The Calgary Real Estate Board’s CREB® Realtor Community Foundation, serving as the dedicated charitable and philanthropic division of CREB®, proudly announced the allocation of $65,000 in grant funding. This significant contribution is set to empower and support six vital local non-profit organizations committed to enhancing housing stability and community well-being across Calgary and Southern Alberta.

This latest round of funding underscores the Foundation’s unwavering commitment to addressing pressing social needs within the region. By strategically investing in organizations on the front lines, the CREB® Realtor Community Foundation aims to create lasting positive change for countless individuals and families who rely on these essential services.

A Commitment to Strengthening Calgary’s Community Fabric

Sharon Bercuson, chair of the CREB® Realtor Community Foundation, articulated the profound sense of accomplishment accompanying this announcement. “We are all incredibly proud to make such a substantial contribution to a diverse array of housing and shelter-based organizations,” she stated. “The need in our community is undeniably real, and there truly couldn’t be a more opportune moment to uplift and support those dedicated to making a difference. These grants represent more than just financial aid; they are an investment in hope, stability, and the fundamental right to safe shelter for everyone in Calgary.”

The Foundation’s mission extends beyond mere financial contributions; it embodies a holistic approach to community development, recognizing that secure housing is the cornerstone of healthy, thriving communities. Through strategic partnerships and targeted funding, the CREB® Realtor Community Foundation actively works to alleviate housing insecurity, provide critical support services, and build a more resilient future for Calgary residents.

Diverse Grant Programs Targeting Core Needs

The CREB® Realtor Community Foundation operates through three distinct grant programs, each meticulously designed to address specific facets of housing and community support. These programs ensure that funding is allocated where it can have the most profound and meaningful impact, from creating new housing units to improving existing shelter quality and keeping people securely housed.

The Signature Legacy Grant: Building New Futures

Central to the Foundation’s efforts is its signature Legacy Grant program. This program is specifically engineered to generate innovative and sustainable housing options for Calgary’s most vulnerable populations. It targets critical gaps in the housing landscape, providing substantial capital investments that translate directly into new homes and safe spaces.

This year, a significant portion of the Legacy Grant funds was directed towards Habitat for Humanity Southern Alberta. This partnership is part of a monumental $1-million capital investment and a three-year strategic collaboration that has already yielded incredible results. Through this sustained effort, the Foundation has played a pivotal role in the creation of 32 brand-new housing units, specifically designed to support low-income working families in their journey towards homeownership and long-term stability. These homes not only provide shelter but also foster community, empower families, and create a lasting legacy of opportunity.

The impact of such initiatives cannot be overstated. By enabling families to secure affordable housing, the Legacy Grant helps break cycles of poverty, enhances educational outcomes for children, and strengthens the overall economic fabric of the community. It represents a belief in equitable access to housing as a fundamental human right and a powerful tool for social mobility.

Community and Transformation Grant Programs: Sustaining and Improving Lives

In addition to the forward-looking Legacy Grant, the Foundation also allocates crucial funding through its Community and Transformation Grant programs. These initiatives focus on the equally vital aspects of keeping people housed and continually improving the quality and safety of existing housing and shelter facilities. These grants support a wide range of services, from emergency shelter provisions to programs that prevent homelessness and enhance living conditions for those already housed.

The Community Grant typically supports programs that offer immediate relief and ongoing support, helping individuals and families navigate challenging circumstances that might jeopardize their housing. This could include rent assistance, support for utility payments, or access to essential resources that ensure housing stability. The Transformation Grant, on the other hand, often focuses on capital improvements, renovations, or innovative projects that elevate the standard of living within shelters and transitional housing, making these spaces more dignified, functional, and therapeutic for their residents.

2020 Grant Recipients: Making a Tangible Difference in Calgary

The selection of the 2020 grant recipients highlights the diverse needs within Calgary and the Foundation’s commitment to supporting organizations that are deeply embedded in the community, providing crucial services to various vulnerable groups. Each recipient plays a unique yet complementary role in building a stronger, more supportive Calgary. The chosen organizations exemplify dedication, effectiveness, and a profound understanding of the challenges faced by those experiencing housing insecurity or seeking refuge.

Calgary Women’s Emergency Shelter: This critical organization provides safe haven and comprehensive support services for women and children fleeing domestic violence. The grant funds will undoubtedly bolster their capacity to offer emergency accommodation, counseling, and vital resources, empowering survivors to rebuild their lives in safety and security. Their work directly addresses the urgent need for safe shelter and protection for highly vulnerable individuals.
Discovery House Family Violence Prevention Society: Discovery House offers a longer-term, specialized residential program for women and children fleeing domestic violence. Their focus extends beyond immediate safety to provide transitional housing, support programs, and educational resources aimed at breaking cycles of abuse and fostering independence. The grant will help ensure these families have the stable environment and tools needed for sustainable recovery and future well-being.
Emma Maternity House Society: Dedicated to supporting pregnant and new mothers, particularly those facing challenging circumstances, Emma Maternity House Society provides a safe, supportive living environment. This grant will help them continue offering shelter, prenatal and postnatal care, life skills training, and emotional support, ensuring both mothers and their babies have a healthy start and a stable foundation for the future.
Habitat for Humanity Southern Alberta: As previously highlighted, Habitat for Humanity Southern Alberta is a key partner in the Legacy Grant program. Their ongoing mission is to mobilize volunteers and community partners in building affordable homes and promoting homeownership for low-income families. The grant ensures continued progress on projects that transform lives through the dignity of homeownership, providing stability and fostering community engagement.
Inn from the Cold: This vital organization offers emergency shelter, support, and programs for homeless individuals and families, including children. Inn from the Cold provides a crucial first step off the streets, offering not just a bed but also pathways to permanent housing, essential services, and a sense of belonging. The grant will assist in maintaining and expanding their capacity to respond to the immediate crisis of homelessness, especially during harsh Calgary winters.
Kids Cancer Care Foundation of Alberta: While not directly a housing provider, Kids Cancer Care Foundation of Alberta supports children and families impacted by cancer, often alleviating significant financial and logistical burdens that can indirectly affect housing stability. Families dealing with pediatric cancer frequently face immense stress, including travel for treatment, medical bills, and lost income, which can jeopardize their ability to maintain stable housing. This grant helps them provide programs and services that support families through these challenging times, potentially including temporary lodging near hospitals, financial aid, or recreational programs that offer respite and normalcy, thereby reducing pressure on family resources that would otherwise impact their homes.

The Broader Impact: A Stronger, More Resilient Calgary

The collective efforts of the CREB® Realtor Community Foundation and its grant recipients create a powerful ripple effect across Calgary. These grants are not merely financial transactions; they are catalysts for social good, fostering self-sufficiency, enhancing safety, and promoting dignity within the community. By investing in these fundamental areas, the Foundation helps to build a more equitable and compassionate city where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

The real estate sector, through organizations like CREB® and its charitable arm, plays a crucial role beyond property transactions. It recognizes its responsibility to contribute positively to the very communities in which its members live and work. This ongoing commitment to philanthropy and community development is a testament to the values held by Calgary’s real estate professionals.

A Call to Continued Support and Future Endeavors

The need for continued support for housing and shelter initiatives in Calgary remains ever-present. The CREB® Realtor Community Foundation encourages individuals and organizations alike to recognize the critical importance of these services and to consider how they too can contribute to a stronger, more stable community. Whether through volunteering, donations, or advocacy, every effort makes a difference in the lives of those seeking security and opportunity.

As the CREB® Realtor Community Foundation looks to the future, it remains steadfast in its dedication to identifying emerging needs, fostering innovative solutions, and forging new partnerships that amplify its impact. The Foundation is committed to ongoing evaluation of its programs to ensure maximum effectiveness and to adapt to the evolving landscape of housing and community support in Southern Alberta. With each grant awarded, the Foundation reinforces its vision of a Calgary where everyone has a safe and affordable place to call home.

The recent distribution of $65,000 in grants serves as a powerful reminder of the CREB® Realtor Community Foundation’s unwavering commitment to the heart of Calgary. Through strategic giving and strong partnerships, the Foundation continues to build pathways to stability, safety, and prosperity for vulnerable families and individuals, embodying the true spirit of community and compassion.