CREB^® REALTORS^® Increase Grants to Non-Profits that Provide Housing to Vulnerable Calgarians

CREB^® REALTOR^® Community Foundation has awarded Community Grants to Society for Autism Support and Services, Inn from the Cold Society, Unison Society, and Discovery House Family Violence Prevention Society.

The foundation was able to increase the amount of annual funding this year with a total of $197,675 allocated to the Community Grant, which is $80,000 more than 2024. 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.

“These organizations are making a meaningful difference every single day, transforming lives and strengthening the communities they serve,” said Christian Twomey, Chair of the CREB^® REALTOR^® Community Foundation. “Every CREB^® REALTOR^® contributes to the foundation, and they take great pride in giving back to their city by helping charities who provide safe, stable housing to those who need it most.”

Society for Autism Support and Services (SASS)

Society for Autism Support and Services is a charity that offers specialized services to individuals with autism. The organization was founded in 1972 and has continued to grow ever since. They now offer early intervention, ECS programs, out of home living placements, life skills training and adolescent and adult vocational programs.

Grant funds will replace the bedroom windows in the facility used for the Out-of-Home Living Program. The new windows will improve the safety, privacy and energy efficiency of the aging building, thus making the bedrooms more comfortable for the children living there.

“Like many charities, Society for Autism Support and Services (SASS) faces the challenge of delivering high-quality programs while maintaining our aging facilities. This grant will help ensure that autistic youth with complex needs and their families, have access to safe housing that fosters learning and well-being. This grant will help us install new energy-efficient windows, reducing utility costs and allowing more resources to be directed toward vital programming. We look forward to partnering with the CREB^® REALTOR^® Community Foundation to complete the project,” said Kim Ward, Executive Director.

Inn from the Cold Society

Inn from the Cold is a charity that supports families in finding stability during times of crisis. Their three main programs supporting families experiencing the trauma and stress of homelessness, provide emergency and transitional shelter to families, and help families and expectant mothers facing homelessness find stable housing.

Inn from the Cold’s Journey House, a 10-unit affordable housing complex, needs essential repairs and upgrades to improve safety and quality of living for the residents. The grant funds will support improvements to the boiler room, HVAC, security systems and other facility upgrades.

“CREB^® REALTORS^® have stood beside us for many years, helping families experiencing homelessness find stability and hope. Thanks to their support, we’ve been able to improve the quality of our affordable housing and create safe, welcoming homes. We are so grateful for this partnership that continues to change lives,” said Heather Morley, CEO.

Unison Society

Unison Society is a non-profit organization that empowers individuals over the age of 50 to lead fulfilling lives. They do this through programs and services that promote a healthy lifestyle with good food, physical activity, courses and access to trusted resources.

“We are thrilled to be receiving funding from the CREB^® REALTOR^® Community Foundation. We will now be able to make vital infrastructure improvements to Unison’s Elder Abuse Shelter that provides a critical safe haven for seniors experiencing abuse, individuals often forced to flee their homes abruptly due to physical, emotional, or financial harm. Your support of our laundry room renovation is critical for daily living, hygiene and the dignity of seniors living in our shelter. We look forward to partnering with CREB^® REALTOR^® Community Foundation to improve the quality of the experience for the vulnerable seniors housed in Unison’s Elder Abuse Shelter,” said Larry Mathieson, President & CEO.

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.

The grant funds will go towards upgrading the building’s HVAC system to ensure it continues to operate efficiently. This will prevent disruptions to the families who utilize the shelter and allows Discovery House to provide a functional and safe environment.

"The support of the CREB^® REALTOR^® Community Foundation will help Discovery House provide families leaving domestic violence with the safety, stability, and supports they need to rebuild their lives. We are so grateful for this investment in creating brighter, safer futures for women and children in our community,” said Leslie Hill, Executive Director.

Tagged: Community Grant | CREB® REALTOR® Community Foundation