City council voted to increase Airdrie Housing Limited (AHL) annual funding from $75,000 to $150,000, Oct. 17.
The funding request will be sent to the Finance Advisory Committee to be considered within the 2011-14 budget process.
AHL is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the City of Airdrie and was established through a bylaw and incorporated on Aug. 1, 2008. The City has supported the corporation financially through a $75,000 grant provided annually for the past four years.
An increase in need for affordable housing in the community and maintenance costs of current buildings, are just two of the reasons an increase in funding is required, said Shelley Sweet, managing director of AHL.
“There is no question this is helping the people in our community,” said Sweet.
“However, our current expenditures outweigh our income and there is very little room for trimming. We are looking at addressing our financial stability while maintaining current service levels. Airdrie continues to see large growth and a plan for the future is paramount.”
Since 2009, AHL has assisted 400 people either through providing a rental unit or rental supplement.
The philosophy behind AHL is to own a variety of unit types and sizes in strategic locations in the community close to schools, shopping, medical facilities, transportation and recreation.
In 2009, the organization purchased a 32-unit apartment building, Mountainview Apartments. As of September 2011, AHL has 44 condominium and apartment units available for rent.
In 2010, AHL replaced the 32-year-old siding and windows in the Mountainview Apartments with the support of the Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation Residential Rehabilitation Assistance Program. AHL also receives grants from the Province.
AHL’s RentPlus and Bridge Fund Supplement Programs, administered through Community Links allows renters who are paying more than 30 per cent of their income on rent to apply for a supplement of up to $300 per month. There are currently more than 80 families using these programs.
“There is no denying that Airdrie Housing is filling a need in our community,” she said.
“We’ve been told time and time again how this monthly supplement can make the difference between food and no food for a low income renter. It is not easy for people to ask for help and the people at Community Links are great. With all the services they provide under one roof, they decrease the chance that people will fall through the cracks.”
Clients who access the supplement programs vary in their life situations from single people to one-parent families to two-parent families and people with disabilities.
AHL currently serves 189 people including 104 adults and 85 dependants. Of the adults, 73 per cent are women with children.
AHL has one full-time employee and two part-time staff members.
Alderman Kelly Hegg said providing more funds to Airdrie Housing is investing in the future.
“We are investing in people and it is paying dividends,” he said.
Alderman Allan Hunter agreed.
“As many of you know, I am one of the cheapest guys,” he said.
“It is hard to quantify human capital as an investment. The best thing we can do is invest in the less fortunate. It is critical in our community and something we cannot turn our backs on.”
Mayor Peter Brown thanked Sweet and Jim Hassett, board chair, for their hard work.
“What you are doing means a lot and obviously people are benefiting,” he said.
The 2011-14 budget will be presented to council in December.
For more information on Airdrie Housing Limited, call 403-948-1200 or email [email protected]
