Lack of affordable housing underlies welfare rate crisis

According to the Advocate, the Alberta College of Social Workers flagship publication, there is an affordable housing crisis in Alberta’s cities. The College defines affordable housing as accommodation that costs no more than 30% of a family’s income and which allows each family member a private sleeping space.

Following is a summary of the College’s assessment of housing in Alberta Cities:

Grande Prairie
In 1999 there were over 800 people on the waiting list for social housing in Grande Prairie. The situation is no better today. In 1998, a person would need to earn $24,000 per year to afford the $600 a month it cost to rent a one-bedroom apartment in the city. A single person on social welfare had an income of $460 a month in 1998.

Fort McMurray
A one bedroom apartment in Fort McMurray costs a minimum of $740 per month, and can run as high as $1,200. Homelessness is a problem, with temporary shelters operating at 100% capacity and turning people away. In July, 2002 there were 160 families on the waiting list for social housing – some of them have been on the list for two years.

Edmonton
The Capital Region Housing Corporation has over 2,000 people on their waiting list. Only the very desperate are able to get social housing when it becomes available. Homeless counts run over 1000 per night. The 827 shelter beds are run at capacity every night. A one bedroom apartment cost an average of $537 a month in 2001.

Calgary
A recent count in Calgary found 1,737 homeless people. Between 2000 and 2002, Calgary’s population grew by 5.1% - the homeless population grew by 34% during the same period. There are 1,800 families on the waiting list for social housing. In 2001, a two bedroom apartment cost an average $784 per month.

Medicine Hat
The vacancy rate in Medicine Hat is less than 0.7%. Seventy-five per cent of the people using the homeless shelter are working. There are over 200 families on the waiting list for social housing. A one bedroom apartment cost $463 in 2002.