The Lethbridge Housing Authority was included in a recent $16 million announcement from the provincial government to upgrade affordable housing units.
According to Lethbridge Housing Authority CAO Robin James, the $400,000 in funding the local organization received is for capital maintenance and renewal projects for social housing. She says the money will go towards renewing 15 to 20 suites and roofs on some community housing complexes. The roof work is expected to be completed by March 31st, 2024. James says the work should cause minimal disruption for tenants outside of hammering nails, while the suite renewals will be completed as the tenants in those units move out.
“As people transition, we will be able to get some new kitchens and some new flooring in there, refresh the paint, and have a nice little unit for the next person that comes,” James says. “Thus far, we have had a mild winter, so we are hoping to get those roofs done here soon.”
She adds between affordable and social housing, the Lethbridge Housing Authority operates 863 units, with a waitlist of over 800 people looking to get into a unit.
“For us right now, being able to keep those [units] up and running and in great condition is a priority for our city because we do see a lot of people on the income support system and the AISH support system in our community. So keeping the social housing up and running as much as possible, and in the best running condition it can be, is the best Lethbridge solution.”
The Lethbridge organization received $10.2 million for 32 supportive housing units earlier in the year. Along with the funding announcements, James says the Housing Authority has had several exciting announcements with the 64 seniors units at South Gate, 30 supportive housing units coming, and a $1 million increase to the supplemental rent budget. According to James, the rent supplement increase allowed for the addition of another 100 families to the program.
She says she expects the need in the city to continue to grow due to a number of anticipated factors.
