Front page news archives

Older news archived from the front page

October 12, 2007

Sierra Club Chinook has just released its Green Ratings for Calgary municipal election candidate and CHAI contributed several housing questions to the grading criteria.

Some of the highest scores came from mayoral candidates Jeremy Zhao, Harry Heck and J.J. Sunstrom; Ward 1 candidate Jennifer Banks, Ward 3's Gearge Chalal; Ward 4 Alderman Bob Hawkesworth; Ward 8 candidate Linday Luhnau and Ward 11 candidate Brian Pincott.

Don't forget to vote on Monday!

September 26, 2007

Kelly Cryderman of the Calgary Herald would like to hear from people who have had big rent increases, or have been forced out by condo-conversions. She can be reached at 235-7544.

If you have a story (or stories) of how the housing crisis has affected you (not just rent increases or condos - any story), and would be willing to talk to the media, please let us know.

We're keeping a list of people we can refer the media to when they are looking for stories (I usually get at least one or two requests a month for this).

Please send your name and phone number and/or email to admin@housingaction.ca or call 270-3200.

Please also include a brief (one or two sentences) description of what sort of issues you've experienced. (e.g., "forced out of 30 year home by rent increase", "spent 6 months in local shelter", "had to choose between going to school and having a place to live", etc.)

September 25, 2007

The Calgary Committee to End Homelessness is holding a public consultation around People with Disabilities and Homelessness, October 4, 1:00pm at Mount Royal College Room EC 1060. Space is limited, so please RSVP to community@calgaryhomeless.com.

Kairos Calgary has organized two screenings of a documentary film about Calgary's housing crisis at local churches in the next two weeks. Each event will be followed by a discussion of the issues in light of the upcoming civic election. Check out our calendar for details.

September 18, 2007

Discussion Forum Tomorrow:

Beyond the Shelter: A Discussion of Solutions to Homelessness in Calgary

Date: Wednesday, September 19 Time: Reception: 6:30 pm, Forum: 7:00-9:00 pm Location: Bow Valley Christian Church - 5300, 53 Avenue NW (Across Crowchild Tr. from the Dalhousie LRT station, behind the Inn on Crowchild)

Moderator: Naheed Nenshi, Professor, Non-Profit Studies, Mount Royal College

Non-Partisan Panel:

Panel presentations to be followed by a solution-focused question/comment period with panelists, special guests and audience members.

For more information: Ph. 216-5436 or calgary.varsity@assembly.ab.ca (Organized by the office of Harry Chase MLA)

September 5. 2007

Participants wanted!

Keep an eye on the CHAI events calendar for details and upcoming activities to participate in...

August 23, 2007

Homeless teens in Calgary are building a website in order to tell their stories, and demand long-term solutions for homelessness. Check out their CityTV interview and their site.

August 21, 2007

The minutes from CHAI's last general meeting are now online. Please take a look!

August 15, 2007

Albertans Demand Affordable Housing is a coalition of organizations concerns about the housing crisis. If you are interested in attending this rally, especially if you have a vehicle for carpooling, please contact jennifer@housingaction.ca.

Boom for Whom?
March and Rally for Affordable Housing
Sat, Aug 18, 2007

Albertans Demand Affordable Housing is organizing a march and rally for Saturday, August 18, 2007. People will be meeting at the south end of the fountain at City Hall at 1 pm and marching to the Alberta Legislature with the rally program beginning at about 2 pm.

The program will consist of a range of speakers and several local artists and musicians. The presenters will question the economic boom and its neglect to reach a growing segment of Alberta's population, particularly in regards to housing.

All are welcome! For more information, contact Greg Farrants at (780) 239-3331 or greg_farrants@yahoo.ca

August 13, 2007

Please take a look at our newly posted video of the Rally for Housing on June 10. Apologies for the delay - there were some mysterious technical difficulties. Many thanks to Peggy, Shaylene and Erwin for all their hard work and patience.

August 3, 2007

Stories Wanted:

CHAI often receives requests from the media to speak to people who have been affected by the housing crisis. There is currently interest in the stories of people living in secondary suites.

If you would like to speak to a journalist about this issue or any other experience of the crisis, please call Jennifer at 270-3200 or email jennifer@housingaction.ca.

CHAI General Meeting:

CHAI's next general meeting will take place on Thursday August 9 at 6:30pm. All are welcome - topics for discussion include plans for September's Homeless Awareness Week. CHAI is located at the Arusha Centre, #106, 223 12th Avenue SW.

New Affordable Housing Initiative?

The Calgary Apartment Association is looking to make 100 units available to people on low incomes, with rents subsidized by the provincial government. Take a look at our media coverage section for more details as they become clear.

July 31, 2007

Film Premiere and Volunteer Party Tonight! (You can get to both with the right timing :)

Arusha's Having a Party!

This summer's been awesome so far. Jam-packed with entirely sold out action films, enlightening happy hours, colourful campaigns, protests and processions. Now we're having a party to celebrate and say THANKS for helping us Move Social Justice Forward!

AND if you've volunteered, been in a band that played at one of our events, or helped us out this summer, we'll provide a free beverage. Really! Bring your friends to learn about Arusha, but they'll have to buy their own (and maybe one for you too!)

Date: Tuesday, July 31, 2007, Time: 5:00pm - 8:00pm, Location: BROKEN CITY, 613 - 11th Ave. S.W

Check out this website too for summer highlights: http://arusha.org/news/arushaevents

*this event is possible thanks to the support of Broken City

"Prosperity 2006" presented by the Calgary Low Income Coalition: What did You Do With Your $400 Ralph Bucks?

This new film, over a year in production, examines what prosperity meant in Calgary in 2006. The short film "Disability in Friendly Cow Town" will precede the feature. This is a free event, so please invite friends and neighbours.

DATE: Tuesday July 31, 2007, TIMES: 6:00 - 7:00pm: Information Booths (including CHAI's!), Food and Socializing, 7:00 - 8:30pm: Films LOCATION: Calgary Public Library, Central Branch, 616 MacleodTrail SE, John Dutton Theatre

Supported sponsors include: Arusha Centre ($Calgary Dollars), Calgary Public Library, KAIROS

July 20, 2007

On Wednesday September 18, a meeting of the Standing Policy Committee on Land Use, Planning and Transportation discussed the issue of secondary suites in Calgary. The council was very divided on the issue, and the vote has been deferred until the City Council Meeting in September.

Please contact your alderman as soon as possible about this issue. More information can about the issue can be found in our media coverage section, and we also have tips and advice for contacting government.

July 16, 2007

CTV ran a poll to gather opinions about solutions to the housing crisis in Calgary. The majority of voters were in favour of rent controls - you can still email your comments to the station using the link at the bottom of the page.

July 15, 2007

Habitat for Humanity is searching for land to build affordable housing in the Calgary area. They need land that can accommodate any sort of housing in any part of the city, and are very interested in partnerships with churches and other community groups committed to affordable housing. For more information please contact Diane Reid, Public Affairs Manager, Habitat for Humanity Calgary, 403-253-9331 ex. 226.

July 7, 2007

Rally Outside Premier Ed's Stampede Breakfast!

Join with other advocates of social change to draw attention to the crises in our province, especially affordable housing.

Monday July 9, 7:00am - 9:00am

McDougall Centre (5th Ave at 7th st SW)

Gather on 7th Street sidewalk

*Bring noisemakers - drums, whistles, bells, etc.

*Bring banners and placards (a limited supply will be available on site)

Lets come together to make our voices heard!

June 27, 2007

CHAI's next general meeting will take place Thursday July 5 at 6:30pm. The agenda for the evening includes a review of the rally for housing, and strategies for future action. CHAI is located at the Arusha Centre, #106, 223 12th Avenue SW.

June 26, 2007

Premier Ed Stelmach appointed Yvonne Fritz as Minister for Affordable Housing on Friday June 22. She will share the Municipal Affairs portfolio with Ray Danluk. Stay tuned to our media coverage section as more information becomes available.

June 25, 2007

Anyone who can get up to Edmonton, please support fellow activists working for affordable housing in Alberta!

Rally @ the Legislature

12pm to 1pm

Wednesday, June 27, 2007

For more info, phone (780) 239-3331 or email adah@riseup.net

Edmonton – The housing crisis has become an omnipresent issue for everyone in Alberta. A countless number of Albertans have become vulnerable to market forces within this economic boom due to a shortage of affordable and appropriate housing. The existing homeless and those increasing numbers of people on the verge of homelessness are especially at risk – if not already impacted. Members of Albertans Demand Affordable Housing (ADAH) are organizing a noon rally on the steps of the Alberta legislature on Wednesday, June 27, 2007 to amplify the concerns of those affected and to demonstrate support in regards to the current housing crisis.

Make Your Voices Heard! Albertans Demand Affordable Housing!

June 14, 2007

An new documentary about the housing crisis premieres on Sunday. The film features scenes from CHAI meetings, as well as interviews with some members.

NEWS RELEASE

AFFORDABLE HOUSING FILM TO PREMIER IN CALGARY

"Calgary's Affordable Housing Crisis" is a locally produced feature length documentary (85 minutes in length) focused on the affordable housing situation in Calgary and Alberta.

The film will be premiered at the Plaza Theatre (1133 Kensington Rd. N.W.) on June 17th at 3:00PM.

The documentary film has been in production for over a year and has closely followed the crisis in affordable housing through it's various phases and as a result has brought together a fascinating and insightful mix of people, ideas, events and images which examines the social cost of homelessness, the impact of apartments being converted to condos and the rising rents, and how the lack of affordable accomodation for ordinary people is affecting the economy.

The film also looks at the political reaction to the lack of response on the part of the city and provincial government to effectively deal with this problem. The film brings together homeless people, the working poor, activists, organizations lke CUPS, Inn From the Cold, the Calgary Homeless Foundation, architects, academics, urban planners, church groups, local and provincial politicans, and many others in a stirring and informative social documentary on a subject which has affected a great number of people.

The film also features the music of Calgary artists Andrea Revel, Lara Taillon and Meg Wilkie.

Brent Spiess, the filmmaker will be in attendance to answer questions after the screening.

June 11, 2007

CHAI's Rally for Housing was a great success! The event was front page news in today's Metro newspaper, so be sure to take a look. Thanks to everyone who came out, as well as all the speakers and volunteers. Stay tuned for more activities...

June 4, 2007

We’ve been contacted by local media looking to talk with someone who has had to move back in with their parents because of the cost of housing. Please email us at admin@housingaction.ca if you are in that situation and prepared to talk with media about it.

May 2007

Various local news media are looking to talk with Calgarians who are being affected by the housing crisis, especially those struggling with large rent increases. If you would be willing to share your story, please contact Jennifer at CHAI: 270-3200 or jennifer@housingaction.ca

May 2007

Call or email Housing Minister Ray Danyluk. He can be reached at (780) 427-3744 (toll free: 310-0000) or Minister.MAH@gov.ab.ca.

In the legislature on May 8, Mr. Danyluk complained that opposition members have not told him of individual cases of Albertans’ struggling with rent increases. Now is the time to show him how many Albertans have been affected by this crisis.

May 18, 2007

Art for Afforable Housing!

CHAI is hosting an art-making day on Saturday June 2 to prepare for the Rally for Housing.

Come and make costumes, puppets, banners and anything else that will animate the housing crisis. This is also a great opportunity to meet other artists and collaborate on skits, songs, performances or any other actions for the day.

Please bring any materials you can - paint, cardboard, fabric, paper, glue etc.

Saturday, June 2, 2007, 2:00 PM - 6:00 PM, Arusha Centre, 106, 223 - 12 Avenue SW.

May 17, 2007

The Alberta government has recently enhanced its services for people affected by the housing crisis.

If you are facing immediate eviction, you can call toll free 1-866-644-1535 or visit the office at 100 Fisher Place, 6712 Fisher Street SE.

If you would like more information about the new rent supplement program call (403) 422-0122.

May 16, 2007

Tonight! CBC Public Forum Blueprint Alberta: Rent

Join CBC's Jeff Collins and Doug Dirks on Wednesday, May 16 in the MacEwan Hall Ballroom at the University of Calgary from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Blueprint Alberta: Rent will explore solutions to the growing problem of finding affordable rental accommodation in Calgary.

We’ll have a panel of landlords, renters and politicians for you to talk to and we want to hear your stories, your questions, and your solutions to the problem.

Panelists: Grant Neufeld: Coordinator, Calgary Housing Action Initiative; Brian O' Leary: Chairman, Calgary Homeless Foundation; Gerry Baxter: President, Calgary Apartment Association; Sam Kolias: CEO and Chariman of Boardwalk Rental communities; Kevin Taft: Liberal leader; Dr Neil Brown: Calgary Nosehill Conservative MLA.

May 15, 2007

The NDP Opposition is organizing a rally calling for affordable housing and rent increase guidelines. If you are able, please get to Edmonton and show your support.

Rally in Support of Affordable Housing When: Thursday, May 17th 12:00pm (Noon) Where: Steps of the Alberta Legislature

For further Information feel free to contact: Anand Sharma Outreach Coordinator Alberta New Democratic Party Opposition W: (780) 415-1803 C: (780) 221-1242 anand.sharma@assembly.ab.ca

May 11. 2007

Please join us for a discussion of protest strategies that have been used to bring attention to housing issues around the world, including ideas such as tent cities.

Tuesday May 15th, 2007 6:30pm Arusha Centre 106, 233 12th Avenue SW (403) 270-3200

May 10, 2007

The Calgary Herald and CBC TV are looking to talk with Calgarians who have recently received large rent increases, especially (but not only) if it can be tied to the recent changes in the provincial government's rules limiting landlords to only one increase per year.

They would also like to hear about people's experiences navigating the aftermath of rent increases, like contacting government organizations or seeking legal advice.

If you would be willing to share your story, please contact Jennifer at CHAI - 270-3200 or jennifer@housingaction.ca

May 3, 2007

CHAI has created some templates for letters to your provincial MLA and opposition MLA. Please cut, paste add your own experiences and opinions, or just sign and send. A paper letter is always best if you can manage it, but email can be effective as well. Addresses, emails and phone numbers can all be found in our Contacting Government section.

April 27, 2007

The report from the Alberta Affordable Housing Task Force was recently released. The provincial government has rejected the rent controls recommended, and though they have promised to build 11 00 new units of housing in the next 10 years, the current shortage is 12 000 and growing by the day.

The government's measures do not come close to meeting the needs of those affected by the housing crisis. Come and learn more about what is happening and communicate your opinions to your government representatives. Relevant adresses, as well as paper and envelopes will be available.

CHAI Letter Writing Circle Wednesday April 30, 2007 7:30 pm

April 24, 2007

The Alberta Affordable Housing Task Force officially released its report today. The provincial government has also issued a response. Read over this information and let your government representatives know what you think. Information and advice can be found here.

April 23, 2007

A community forum on Calgary's 10 year plan to end homelessness took place today. Participants included hundreds of representatives from Calgary groups dedicated to supporting people affected by homelessness, as well as speakers from New York, Portland and Minnesota. Read media coverage of the event and stay tuned for links to speakers presentations as they become available.

April 20, 2007

Alberta's annual budget was realeased today. Learn what has been earmarked for affordable housing, as well as reactions from all sectors in our media coverage section.

April 18, 2007

Reactions to the Affordable Housing Task Force have been pouring in since the first details were leaked yesterday, including comments from CHAI coordinator Grant Neufeld in today's Calgary Herald.

Follow our Media coverage section for more information as it becomes available.

April 17, 2007

Encouraging news: Some details of the report of the provincial government's Affordable Housing Task Force have been leaked.
Calgary Herald article

What we've heard so far includes:

Please see our forum discussion for more info and for ways you can support these positive measures.
Affordable Housing Task Force report discussion

April 16, 2007

This story was sent to CHAI recently. A tenant paid the full deposit on a suite for April 1. The cheque was cashed, but she has yet to receive keys to the property, or a refund of her money, totalling nearly $1000. This landlord has a long history of treating tenants unfairly. She has many complaints and court cases pending agianst her, yet her behaviour continues.

If you would like to share a story of how you have been affected by the housing crisis, please submit it to our forum or email CHAI.

April 6, 2007

The minutes from our General Meeting on April 3rd are now posted in our forums.

Author Susan Scott is lauching her book All Our Sisters: Stories of homeless women in Canada on Friday May 4 at 7:30 pm. The event is free and takes place in John Dutton Theatre at W.R. Castell Central Library, 616 Macleod Trail SE. For more information call Pages Books on Kensington at 283-6655.

April 4, 2007

A community summit on Calgary's 10 year plan to end homelessness takes place on Monday, April 23rd, 2007 at the Palomino Room, Roundup Centre on the Stampede Grounds from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Space is limited and pre-registration is highly recommended. To pre-register send an email with contact information to: communitysummit@calgaryhomeless.com

From the invitation:

Mr. Steve Snyder, Chair of the Calgary Committee to End Homelessness invites you to learn more about 10 year plans and homelessness in Calgary. Hear lessons for Calgary from international experts.Provide your advice on closing the front door into homelessness, opening the back door out of homelessness and the creation of new affordable housing capacity in Calgary.

Hosted by: Calgary Stampede; Event Sponsor: The United Way of Calgary and area; Knowledge Builder: First Calgary.

April 2, 2007

Thanks to the funding we were recently given, we now have a paid staff person, Jennifer McVeigh, working as our “Community Engagement Facilitator”. We’ll be introducing her to CHAI members at Tuesday’s general meeting.

Our main email contact address, admin@housingaction.ca, has been transferred over to her (so that your messages will actually be replied to), and we are now sharing a phone line with the Arusha Centre: (403) 270-3200

March 19, 2007

Today is the day for our municipal government’s Public Hearing on Land Use Bylaw. From 9:30AM to 12:30PM, in the Council Chambers at City Hall (800 MacLeod Trail SE).

Your voice and presence is needed to advocate for secondary suites! Each presenter has 5 minutes to speak and a list will be created on March 19 on a first-come basis for order of speakers.

The Poverty Reduction Initiative has prepared a brief on Secondary Suites: Implementing Secondary Suites: Presentation brief for community groups.

February

February 28, 2007

Evening Update: The deadline for submissions to the task force has been extended to Friday, March 2.

Today is the day the Affordable Housing Task Force is in Calgary!

We’ve got a quick little information leaflet covering a few of the possible actions the government could take. You can [PDF]download the info leaflet as a PDF file.

February 23, 2007

The provincial government's Affordable Housing Task Force will be in Calgary for community meetings as follows:

Wednesday, February 28 from 1-3PM and 7-9PM
at the University of Calgary's MacEwan Centre, Hall B

These will be “open mic” sessions and the Task Force is NOT looking for formal presentations. Speakers will be allowed 2 minutes each to speak.

If people are not able to attend these sessions, they can offer their feedback on the Task Force website or by email to: affordable.housing@gov.ab.ca

Deadline for submissions is February 28!

February 9, 2007

CHAI is hiring
We have received funding to contract a “Community Engagement Facilitator” to help us get over a number of organizational challenges we’re facing. See the full job description for details. Application deadline is March 5.

2006

November

Tuesday, November 21, 2006

Minutes from last week's general meeting have been posted.

Friday, November 17, 2006

CHAI member Laurie is heading up an effort to challenge the proposed municipal bylaw that is targetting homeless people.

You can download a petition for this.

There will be a protest rally on Monday, November 20, from Noon to 1:00 PM, at City Hall (800 Macleod Trail SE).

You can download a poster to promote the protest.

Tuesday, November 14, 2006

Tonight is our monthly general meeting:

Tuesday, November 14, 7:00pm
at Knox United Church (506 - 4 Street SW).
Refreshements provided,
2 transit tickets per person available to offset travel costs.

A late addition to the agenda is action on City Hall's new anti-homeless by-law. See the forums for discussion.

The Book Project working group is meeting right before the general meeting, starting at 6:00pm

October

Friday, October 27, 2006

We've been quiet on the website for a little bit here, but not quiet in our work.

First off, a new section has been added to the website: Discussion Forums
This is a space for CHAI members and supporters to have discussions about all aspects of what we're doing, and the issues we're dealing with.

Anyone can read the discussions, but you have to be a registered user to post (hopefully that will help us avoid a lot of spam). Registration is easy and free. Sign-up Now.

Once signed-up, you can join the discussions by following the Forums link:
Forum

Recent Actions

The CHAI working groups are continuing to make progress on our various projects. We also participated in the University of Calgary Student's Union's "Tent City" action this week. The CHAI coordinator, Grant Neufeld, was interviewed "live, from the scene" by Global News on Wednesday morning.

Monday, October 16, 2006

Tomorrow night is our next general meeting

Tuesday, October 17, 7:00pm
at Knox United Church (506 - 4 Street SW).
Refreshements provided,
2 transit tickets per person available to offset travel costs.

Help Needed: The old Ronald McDonald House, by the old Children's Hospital, goes up for auction today. If you know of any agencies, funders, or anyone else who could help in trying to acquire this building for use as shelter for homeless families please get in touch by email to admin@housingaction.ca The building has 15 suites suitable for families, a large shared kitchen, laundry and parking. There also needs to be secured funding for an agency to maintain and staff the facility.

Saturday, October 14, 2006

Thursday, October 12, 2006

Last night's town hall meeting went well. I've already had a few follow-up calls this morning from people who found out about CHAI at the event.

More media on the issues:

Wednesday, October 11, 2006

Hopefully many of you will be able to attend

Tonight's Town Hall on Affordable Housing Solutions
7:00 PM, Wednesday, October 11
at Western Canada High School (614 - 17 Avenue SW)
See the event listing for full details.

We've added a new page on this website dedicated to Media coverage of the issues.

Here are today's links:

Monday, October 9, 2006

Thursday, October 5, 2006

September

Thursday, September 28, 2006

Some more recent local news related to the housing crisis:

Tuesday, September 26, 2006

Some recent local news related to the housing crisis:

Monday, September 18, 2006

Some of CHAI's numbers: I finally tallied the numbers from last Tuesday's meeting. We had about a 33% increase in attendance over the previous month. About 60% of the attendees were new to CHAI.

Thursday, September 14, 2006

The flyers and poster were updated yesterday (no longer listing the now past meeting). The detailed pamphlet has been significantly revised. See our posters & flyers page for the list of what's available.

Wednesday, September 13, 2006

Thanks to the many people who came to the general meeting last night.

Monday, September 11, 2006

I heard this morning from another CHAI participant who is leaving the province because of the housing shortage:

Hello. Just to inform you that I won't be attending your meeting. Seeing that my rent has increased to an unaffordable level, I do not wish to stay in Calgary any longer. Calgary has a long way to go before it wins my respect again. So I'm moving out to BC.
Wish you all the best of luck. Keep up the good fight.

That brings us to three participants--that we've heard about--who we've lost to other provinces in the four weeks since our founding meeting. As far as anecdotal evidence goes, this is hitting home.

This is all the more reason for us to work hard to deal with the housing crisis. I hope to see you all at the meeting on Tuesday!

Sunday, September 10, 2006

Tuesday is our next general meeting. Everyone is encouraged to come out to learn more about the issues, what CHAI is doing and what you can do to contribute.

Next General Meeting
Date: Tuesday, September 12, 2006
Time: 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Location: Knox United Church (506 - 4 Street SW)

Please invite your friends, neighbours, coworkers and anyone else you may think should attend.

Friday, September 8, 2006

Next week is the start of pre-week events for Homeless Awareness Week. Check out their calendar for full details.

Friday, September 1, 2006

A quick reminder that, tomorrow afternoon (Saturday), we've got a few community outreach events going on, followed by socials. Please check out the list and RSVP.

Also, the posters and flyers have been updated with a PDF new leaflet for promoting CHAI.

August

Monday, August 28, 2006

Our third week of action is focused on reaching out to our local communities to make connections, raise awareness, and get more people involved.

Find out how you can participate.

Monday, August 21, 2006

Our week of action to bring attention to the housing crisis in the media was a big success. We received coverage across numerous television broadcasts, radio programs and newspaper articles. The public--and hopefully the politicians--are becoming more aware of how desperate the situation is becoming.

Now, in our second week, we're focused on lobbying the provincial government to take urgent action to address the crisis. You can take action now - we have details on how you can participate.

Wednesday, August 16, 2006

Thanks to the many people who came out to our founding meeting on Tuesday. We've garnered a lot of attention on this, and things are looking hopeful for making some significant progress on housing issues in our city.

We're still getting things worked out for this website - so it's very bare-bones at the moment. Watch for more here in the coming days.