CREB^® REALTORS^® improve housing and shelter quality for local communities

CREB^® REALTOR^® Community Foundation has awarded Community Grants to L’Arche Association of Calgary, HomeSpace Society, The Mustard Seed, and Discovery House Family Violence Prevention Society.

The Foundation was able to increase the amount of annual funding this year with a total of $115,500 allocated to the Community Grant, which is $10,000 more than 2023. These grants will assist with major repairs and renovations to existing housing or shelter supply, with the goal of keeping people housed in their communities.

“We are deeply inspired by the significant impact these non-profit organizations have on their communities, and we are proud to support them on behalf of our local REALTORS®” said Catherine Chow, Chair of CREB® REALTOR® Community Foundation. “Unity in our local communities is crucial to improving housing and shelter solutions for those who need it most. Together, we can build a brighter future for Calgary and surrounding areas.”

L’Arche Association of Calgary

L’Arche Association of Calgary is a charity that supports people with intellectual disabilities to participate in a community that’s designed to bring out the best in everyone. L’Arche Calgary has five homes in Calgary with supported independent living and day programming.

Grant funds will go to essential renovations at one of the five Calgary homes. These renovations are to ensure the house meets standards and provides a secure and healthy living space for the residents.

“We are truly grateful to the CREB® REALTOR® Community Foundation for this meaningful grant. At L’Arche Calgary, our homes are more than just places to live—they are spaces of belonging, where people with and without intellectual disabilities share life, build relationships, and grow together,” said Executive Director Ani Hynes. “Like many non-profits, we face ongoing challenges in meeting our financial needs, while striving to maintain the warmth, care, and accessibility that make these homes special. This grant helps us sustain our mission, ensuring that our homes continue to be places of welcome, dignity, and mutual support for all our core members. Thank you for supporting our vision of inclusion and community!”

HomeSpace Society

HomeSpace is a charity that builds and manages affordable housing for vulnerable people in Calgary, with over 900 units that house over 1,300 residents. HomeSpace supports a housing first approach as a way to solve homelessness and aims to build more specialized, affordable housing to address the affordable housing crisis.

One of the buildings that offers permanent supportive housing as well as a palliative care suite needs several updates and maintenance to ensure good quality housing for the residents. The Community Grant funds will be dedicated to fixing the building’s common areas with patching, painting and refinishing walls, door frames and trim.

“The donation to support the interior wall repairs and painting of this permanent supportive housing building goes beyond just enhancing the physical space, it creates an environment where single adults who have faced significant adversity can feel uplifted the moment they step through the door. These halls are more than just corridors; they are an extension of each person’s home. Just as a front yard and walkway set the tone for a house, these renewed spaces remind every resident that they are valued and that their home, and the community around them matter,” said Jacqueline Van den Broek, Director of Agency Relationships.

The Mustard Seed

The Mustard Seed is a non-profit organization that cares for individuals experiencing poverty and homelessness. The organization provides a haven where people can have their physical, mental and spiritual needs met, with an aim to support their growth to greater health and independence.

The Community Grant funds will be used to upgrade the flooring in several of the units at The Mustard Seed affordable housing facility. The carpet in short-term units that experience higher turnover and greater wear-and-tear will be replaced with durable vinyl flooring that is easier to clean and care for, will lower maintenance costs in the long run.

"The Mustard Seed provides affordable and low-cost housing to people experiencing homelessness in Calgary. This generous gift from CREB® will support critical upgrades at our 14th Street building, making the building safer and more welcoming for vulnerable people. Because of CREB®'s support, our vulnerable neighbours will have a comfortable, dignified living environment that they can take pride in," said James Gardiner, Chief Executive Officer of The Mustard Seed.

Discovery House Family Violence Prevention Society

For over 40 years, Discovery House Family Violence Prevention Society has served women and children leaving domestic violence, helping them rebuild their lives. Discovery House’s shelter was built in 2002 and the organization supports approximately 600 people a year, most of them children. The shelter has two-, three-, and four-bedroom apartments, a childcare centre, counselling rooms, community spaces, and an enclosed courtyard with a play area and garden.

As part of their multi-year capital project, they are improving the shelter’s structure, interior, mechanical and electrical systems. This funding will target updating one of the suites with new flooring, lighting, appliances and furnishings. One unit has already been updated to include accessibility features that allow Discovery House to accommodate families with physical disabilities or mobility challenges.

"Safe, stable housing is something everyone deserves. This incredible support from the CREB Community Foundation will help hundreds of families in our community find a place to call home so that they can heal from domestic violence, and imagine a brighter future ahead," said Leslie Hill, Executive Director.

Tagged: Grants | Community Grant | CREB® REALTOR® Community Foundation | Friends of the Foundation