By April 2026, Calgarians in need of transitional housing to improve their lives before entering into traditional market housing, will have a lot more options.

With the groundbreaking of HomeSpace Society’s Whitehorn project on Nov. 1, and an expected groundbreaking in Shawnee Slopes within months, dozens of new units are set to be made available for families—104 when both projects are complete.

That need has been great, with 291 families on HomeSpace’s wait list for transitional housing, representing 894 individual family members, including children.

“This moment is huge for us as we tackle the urgent need for safe, affordable housing for families with children in Calgary,” said Marvin Aranez, Director of Acquisitions and Development with the HomeSpace Society.

“Let’s be real. Families are taking a hard hit from the housing crisis in our city. Too many are struggling to find homes that fit their needs, facing tough life decisions between paying rent or putting food on the table, and far too many families are stuck in shelters, cars, or unsafe living conditions. That just isn’t right. This project in Whitehorn is a game changer.”

The Whitehorn project, which is expected to cost $25 million to build, will consist of three, two-bedroom units, 49 three-bedroom units, five accessible units, all of which are between 1,300 to 1,400 sq. ft. per unit.

The project will also include an 8,000 sq. ft. amenity space for residents, a community garden, an athletic court, and a playground.

“This is more than just a roof over their heads. It’s a supportive environment where families can find their footing and transition from homelessness to independence,” said Aranez.

He said that the project builds on the successful model that HomeSpace used previously for the Norris House transitional housing in Seton, which saw 45 stacked-unit townhomes built.

As part of the model, partner agencies run the day-to-day operations of the transitional housing and provide wrap-around support for residents.

For Norris House, Closer to Home was selected as the partner agency. For the upcoming Whitehorn project, no agency has yet been selected but Aranez said that would be done closer to the opening, in conjunction with the Calgary Homeless Foundation.

Rents for the Whitehorn housing, when complete, were set to be offered at 30 per cent below market values.

The transitional housing is situated near the Whitehorn LRT station, and amenities and job opportunities along 32 Avenue NE, said Jessica Cope Williams, Vice President of Community Impact at the Calgary Homeless Foundation.

“These two city-owned sites will provide a housing solution that fits the unique needs of families, offering space for amenities as well as proximity to public transit, schools, grocery stores and other essential services that they need to thrive,” she said.

“Ultimately, this housing aims to bridge the gap between from homelessness to civility.”

Transitional housing a priority for the City of Calgary

Both the Whitehorn project and the Shawnee Slopes projects will be built on lands provided by the City of Calgary that came about as a result of the public hearings on housing that occurred in 2023.

“Before that public hearing started, I had publicly stated that I would be bringing an additional element to the strategy that I would be asking administration to find a suitable site for transitional housing for families in need. Through the public presentations that we heard, it became evident that my idea was not only necessary, but that council was willing to push for two sites instead of just one,” said Mayor Jyoti Gondek.

“This happened because some very brave Calgarians took the time to come forward and tell their stories that were heartbreaking. They were full of uncertainty, fear and sometimes desperation. We simply couldn’t ignore the families that were worried about whether they would have a home by the end of the month, not to mention those that were already living out of their vehicles.”

She said that the urgency of their need pushed council to make lands available.

HomeSpace was selected in Feb. 2024 as the developer for the two sites.

The Whitehorn project was selected to be built on land next to the City of Calgary’s Whitehorn Multiservices Building at 3510 34 Street NE, and in Shawnee Slopes at 14320 – 6 Street SW, across from the Fish Creek–Lacombe LRT Station.

Emily King-Moore, Director of Communications for HomeSpace, said that the society was given a tight deadline to turn around the housing project by the City of Calgary, given that need.

She said that on the Shawnee Slopes project, what remained to be done before ground could be broken on that project was to complete a development permit and go through community engagement.

“We are hoping for a groundbreaking on that really soon. We’re still in the process, so we are going to land use. Will there be a groundbreaking? Maybe not in January, but yes, we hope very soon.”

More details on the Family Lease Sites transitional housing are available at www.homespace.org/family-lease-sites.