Community Support

Calgary Affordable Housing Foundation has engaged with multiple stakeholders to determine the opportunities for CAHF. A partnership readiness survey identified several themes.

i) Support for collaboration. Housing providers engaged to date are supportive of a collaborative approach to fundraising for affordable housing.

ii) Organizational Factors. Participants of the study support a wide range of populations in need. The size and scope of the organizations, their services, and their projects varies significantly. Each participant shared common frustration with the current barriers related to financing and planning projects.

iii) Project Considerations. By early 2023, there were approximately 16 projects in various phases of planning. Participants noted that there are significant barriers faced by agencies undertaking build projects as well as the ability to plan for future projects. These challenges are related to planning and financing, the ability to capitalize on and/or retrofit or renovate existing structures, access to land (and the right land), and ensuring that the projects are suitable for the target population.

iv) Fundraising Capabilities and Factors. Majority of the housing providers consider their fundraising experience and capacity to be very low to moderate. Majority of the providers surveyed also indicated they are interested in a collaborative approach to fundraising.

The readiness survey also identified several specific projects where there would be an immediate opportunity for CAHF to raise funds for housing provider partners. Housing providers continue to reach out to CAHF to partner and to lead fundraising. Collectively, these projects would benefit diverse populations, including indigenous community members, seniors, children and youth, immigrant newcomers, those with disabilities, women, and community members identifying as LGBTQ2S.

CAHF has received several letters of support. You can read them below.