One of the struggles that those experiencing homelessness often face is the ability to find safe and sustainable housing. Thanks to the support of the Calgary Homeless Foundation and the Government of Alberta, our Shelter Diversion Program helps our shelter and transitional housing residents with the hard work of finding suitable housing, the often-overwhelming process of managing lease agreements, follow-up support as they settle into a place of their own, and financial support to help with the initial costs that can be a barrier to finding housing.  All of this support though only works when we find landlords willing to provide opportunities to individuals on the journey to a more stable and hope-filled life.

Catalina, who owns and manages over 100 rooms across the city, enjoys supporting tenants on this journey.  She frequently welcomes individuals from our programs to lease with her and works to ensure her registered Rooming Houses support independence in a variety of ways like having mini-fridges in every room or locations close to transit (being registered also helps ensure consistency and safety).  She helps tenants learn to keep their individual and common areas clean and she creates homes that are welcoming – at one location she maintains a garden of 200 rose plants! Catalina’s kindness also encourages respect and offers hope.

Landlords like Catalina get benefits too – tenants whose income is limited but stable, tenants who may also have secure access to funds for first month rent and damage deposit, tenants who are connected to support systems as they settle in and build their independence, and tenants who highly value and respect the safe and affordable home they have found.  Welcoming landlords also get to participate in transforming lives!