Community Investors II - Horizon Housing Society

The second non-profit highlighted in the CIES Community Investors Series is Horizon Housing. The Horizon Housing Society (HHS) has been providing affordable homes to Calgarians in need since 1976. The Society owns and operates nearly 600 units in Calgary with their properties ranging from individual supported homes to multi-family apartment buildings. The type of housing provided helps reduce the stigma, promotes community integration and independent living, while enhancing the quality of life for their tenants.

People living with mental health challenges, brain injuries, and physical disabilities, as well as individuals, seniors and families living below the poverty line, and the working poor - Horizon Housing's tenants come from a varied background. Their goal is to ensure their tenants can enjoy the security, freedom and hope that comes from having a home of one's own, while being surrounded by a community of mutual respect and support.

Prospective tenants come to HHS from one of over 15 referring partner agencies and apply directly through one of these agencies. These agencies then contact Horizon Housing to begin the application process. The average rent on HHS units is nearly 60% lower than the average market rate for a one bedroom in Calgary. Tenancy is governed by the Alberta Residential Tenancy Act (RTA), which regulates the landlord and tenant relationship and any legal matters within that relationship. Before job training, before language assessment, before furthering one's education, before most anything, a roof over our heads is what's needed most. Thank you to Horizon Housing Society for the incredible impact you have on the life of Calgarians and the city of Calgary for the last 40 years. For more information about HHS visit there website.