Calgary Homeless Foundation Buys Apartment for Homeless Veterans

CALGARY, ALBERTA--(Marketwire - Nov. 9, 2011) -

WHAT: There are a number of veterans in Calgary experiencing long-term homelessness. In Canada, homeless veterans have high rates of addictions, long-term homelessness and mental health issues.

The Calgary Homeless Foundation (CHF) has initiated a project to help veterans who are experiencing long-term homelessness, are most vulnerable and who require immediate and long-term assistance. The project will provide housing and a support program to help veterans work on the issues that led to their homelessness.

The CHF purchased a 16-unit building in southwest Calgary with funding from the Government of Alberta. The CHF paid just over $2.5 million for the building, using $1.8 million in provincial grants and taking a six-month mortgage of just over $750,000. With the mortgage in place, veterans will pay $680 per month in rent. With community support to pay off the mortgage, rents will be available at approximately $400 per month.

In addition to housing, the CHF is in discussions with a support services funder, as well as a local agency, to support veterans with physical and mental illnesses, addiction recovery and employment. Local Veterans Affairs have expressed interest in helping these veterans reintegrate into the community.

WHO:

• A veteran who has experienced long-term homelessness
• Tim Richter, President and CEO, Calgary Homeless Foundation

WHERE/WHEN: November 10, 2011 from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Please contact Andrea Ranson for the location of the building.

ABOUT: The Calgary Homeless Foundation leads the implementation of Calgary's 10 Year Plan to End Homelessness. The Foundation is moving forward on Calgary's 10 Year Plan in partnership with the many homeless-serving agencies, the private sector, our government partners, the faith community, other foundations and all Calgarians to end homelessness in Calgary once and for all. For more information, visit calgaryhomeless.com.