2 housing projects for vulnerable people in Calgary to be complete this year

Speaking at the construction site of a new housing development in Calgary, Matt Vermunt, the director of acquisitions and development at HomeSpace, said his organization's project is an attempt to tackle more than one issue facing Calgary's vulnerable population.

That project Hope Heights along with another named Killarney, will provide 64 housing units specifically designated for women and children fleeing domestic violence, as well as people living with a disability.

"These 35 homes are a beacon of hope," Vermunt said in reference to the Hope Heights project.

"Women make up almost a third of people experiencing homelessness in Calgary. They represent a majority of single parents in housing need."

On Tuesday, politicians from the federal, provincial and municipal governments announced $23 millionfor the two projects.

The buildings will includeone- and two-bedroom homes tohouse women and women with children as well as people living with disabilities.

"All of us deserve to live with dignity; families deserve to live with dignity," Calgary Mayor Jyoti Gondek said.

"These projects are a great example of how the private sector has very willingly stepped forward and how you've got governments who are willing to work together."

Hope Heights will be a four-storey apartment building located in the community of Crescent Heights. It willinclude 35 units.At least 12 of those are going to be designated for womenand/or women and children.

Construction is slated to finish by fall 2024.

The funding, about $11.6 million, came from a number of parties, including the municipal, provincial and federal governments as well as a donation from a private builder.

Killarney, the second project, is a low-rise apartment building with 29 affordable rental units. Located near Westbrook Mall in Calgary's southwest, it will mostly have two-bedroom units that will house women and children.

It cost around $11.4 million and isexpected to be builtby the end of this summer.

"Safe and affordable housing is necessary for the success and stability of our city," said Calgary Skyview MP George Chahal.

"We are working to ensure everyone in our community has a safe place to call home."