EDMONTON, AB, July 23, 2024 /CNW/ - Today, the federal government announced more than $172 million in contributions and low-cost loans through the Affordable Housing Fund (AHF) to help build and repair 4257 affordable homes in Alberta.

The announcement was made by the Honourable Randy Boissonnault, Member of Parliament for Edmonton Centre, Alberta and Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Official Languages, on behalf of the Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities.

It took place at 9320 152 A Ave. NW, Edmonton which received $500,000 to build 20 homes operated by the Homes for Heroes Foundation. The completed building consists of 300 square-foot rooms and includes a central resource centre, an office for an onsite councillor, and a community garden for veterans of the Canadian Forces.

A detailed list of all the projects that received funding is provided in an appendix to this release.

Quotes:

"Everyone deserves a place to call their own and the Affordable Housing Fund is one way we're helping make that a reality for Canadians. We will keep investing in affordable housing projects like the ones announced today, and working with partners across the country, to end the housing crisis." – The Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities

"We need smart solutions to solve the affordable housing crisis. Through the Affordable Housing Fund, we are building and repairing over 4000 homes in Alberta. By working with our communities, we are investing $172 million to support those who need social and affordable housing the most." – The Honourable Randy Boissonnault, Member of Parliament for Edmonton Centre, Alberta and Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Official Languages

"We are grateful for the investment in affordable housing in Edmonton. Our city is growing quickly as people come from across the province, country and around the world. As we welcome more residents, all levels of government must continue to work together to ensure everyone has access to safe, adequate and affordable housing." – Amarjeet Sohi, Mayor of Edmonton

"Hosting the Minister for a tour of our Edmonton Veterans Village was a privilege, as it allowed us to showcase the critical work we do. We provide not just housing, but comprehensive support programs for our unhoused Veteran clients. Our charity's mission is deeply important, which is why we are grateful that all three levels of government have come together to support the construction of our Veteran villages. CMHC's partnership has been instrumental in enabling us to build facilities in Calgary, Edmonton, and Kingston, and we look forward to continuing this collaborative effort as we expand our reach across Canada." – Brad Field, President of Homes for Heroes Foundation

Quick facts:

• The federal funding announced today is helping create a total of 772 new homes and is leading to the repairs of 3485 homes.
• The Affordable Housing Fund (AHF) provides funding through low-interest and/or forgivable loans or contributions to help build new affordable homes and renovate and repair existing, affordable and community housing.
• Through the 2023 Fall Economic Statement, the government announced an additional $1 billion for the Affordable Housing Fund, bringing the total funding to over $14 billion. To further support non-profit, co-operative, and public housing providers and respond to the needs of those most impacted by the housing crisis, Budget 2024 committed an additional $1 billion to the fund.
• This program under the National Housing Strategy (NHS) gives priority to projects that help people who need it most, including women and children fleeing family violence, seniors, Indigenous peoples, people living with disabilities, those with mental health or addiction issues, veterans, and young adults.
• As of March 2024, the federal government has committed $50.97 billion through the NHS to support the creation of over 146,000 units and the repair of over 286,000 units.

Additional Information:

• Visit Canada.ca/housing for the most requested Government of Canada housing information.
• CMHC contributes to the stability of the housing market and financial system, provides support for Canadians in housing need, and offers unbiased housing research and advice to all levels of Canadian government, consumers and the housing industry. CMHC's aim is that everyone in Canada has a home they can afford and that meets their needs. For more information, follow us on Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn and Facebook.
• To find out more about the National Housing Strategy, please visit www.placetocallhome.ca.

Appendix: Projects receiving funding under AHF

SOURCE Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC)