Oct. 02, 2025 | CREB
Onwards and upwards: How the Transformation Grant helped create healthier living conditions
For nearly 50 years, Onward Homes has provided homes to low-income Calgarians, ensuring they have an appropriate, affordable place to live.The non-profit currently owns and operates more than 2,200 units across 33 buildings and works with more than 60 social-service agencies who refer and support their residents.
In 2024, the CREB® REALTOR® Community Foundation awarded a $15,000 Transformation Grant to Onward Homes to support the replacement of Poly-B piping in the organization’s Emma House – a transitional housing offering for expectant mothers experiencing or at risk of homelessness.
Poly-b piping is prone to leaking and failing that can result in water damage and flooding. Therefore, this replacement helped avoid interruptions to the safety and peace of mind of expectant mothers and newborns residing there.
“Onward has drastically reduced the risk of water damage, mold, and the stress that comes with plumbing emergencies—especially important for expectant mothers and newborns who need a safe, stable environment,” says Beverly Jarvis, Director, Engagement and Communications at Onward Homes.
Jarvis adds that this upgrade has largely eliminated unexpected disruptions or necessary relocations due to burst pipes, creating healthier living conditions and affording greater confidence for the residents at a critical time in their lives.
Altogether, these benefits allow residents to make plans for their future, connect with community supports and give their child a healthier start in life.
“When I moved into Emma House, I found myself in a home where I was accepted and loved. My baby grew inside of me with the care and good food that I received,” says a former Emma House resident.
“I was encouraged and grew in determination to carry myself with dignity.”
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