Single parents will soon have a home of their own thanks to the efforts of the St. Albert Housing Society.
The affordable housing advocacy group has spent the summer renovating a house to make it comfortable, safe, and, yes, affordable for the people who need such accommodations the most.
“This was a dream of the board to help single women that are leaving domestic violence situations,” offered executive director Cheryl Dumont, adding that men could apply as well.
The residence is a third-stage house, meaning that it is more independent and offers more supports than second-stage housing, which is more like group lodging. The society as owner will lease out the suites to tenants, and those leases are intended to be among the best in the city. The basement suite is expecting to rent for less than $1,000 per month and less than $1,200 for the upper floor, utilities included, Dumont noted.
“We're also removing barriers," Dumont continued. "We're paying the utilities so they don't have to worry about that. We're subsidizing the rent quite heavily for these two units.”
Along with those subsidies, tenants can also apply for other financial assistance.
She said the tenants will have "all the wraparound services" needed for them to make a fresh start, including counselling and other social supports.
It was indeed a busy summer of work on the house for Ken Fraser of Kastle Renovations.
The extensive renos are still being completed on both floors with nary a corner untouched by his crew’s hammers and saws to make sure the 50-year-old house is as homey as possible. The pandemic hampered the original timeline of the project as some construction materials and fixtures were delayed but, when completed, the quaint abode will feature three bedrooms on the upper floor and two bedrooms downstairs, each with their own kitchen and bathroom, though the laundry will be shared.
He noted how pleased he was to offer his services and averred that it will be a perfect little place for those who need as few things to worry about. A security system will add the finishing touch of safety and peace for future residents as well.
The cozy, non-descript home is located in a family-oriented neighbourhood close to parks, schools, and transit, which will further add to the appeal.
Funding for the project was made possible through Service Canada's Reaching Home grant for the housing society’s HOMEconnection program, which offers a year bridging program to assist individuals and families of modest means to transition to stable, safe, and affordable living arrangements to improve their life circumstances.
The society put forward other funding and many volunteers have been sweating through the heat waves to make it happen.
"Lots of people are working together," Dumont said, noting the city was very accommodating in facilitating the necessary permits.
Of course, projects like this don’t just happen, Dumont explained. There was much behind-the-scenes collaboration between the housing society and St. Albert Stop Abuse in Families, the St. Albert Food Bank and Community Village, the Jessica Martel Memorial Foundation, the St. Vincent de Paul Society, and others. The society recently posted on Facebook a request for a long list of home furnishings, household supplies, and other items to make the house as easy as possible to move into.
She added that the society always welcomes financial donations.
The success of the pilot project will make it easier for the housing society to fulfil its hopes of expanding its offering of these house-based affordable-living units.
"The dream is that we could do one of these a year, which would be lovely," Dumont continued. "We need so many units that are affordable and safe."
The housing society anticipates the home will be available to rent by Oct. 1. The criteria for applicants will soon be finalized. People can find more information on its website at stalberthousing.com.
"We really believe in what we're doing because it is the most underserved market in all of Canada. We are watching this project very carefully."
