Edmonton

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Affordable Housing

Programs and housing options for individuals and families with low income or special needs in Edmonton.

Sections

1. Types of Affordable Housing in Edmonton

Edmonton offers a variety of affordable housing options to suit different needs. These include:

a. Subsidized Housing

  • Description: Rent is calculated based on household income, typically 30% of gross income.
  • Who Provides It: Managed by non-profit organizations, the City of Edmonton, and the provincial government.
  • Examples:
    • Capital Region Housing (CRH): The largest provider of subsidized housing in Edmonton.
    • Mรฉtis Capital Housing Corporation: Offers affordable housing for Mรฉtis and Indigenous families.

b. Rent-Geared-to-Income (RGI) Housing

  • Description: Similar to subsidized housing, rent is based on income. This is often part of social housing programs.
  • Who Provides It: Managed by Capital Region Housing and other non-profits.

c. Affordable Rental Housing

  • Description: These units are offered at below-market rates but are not income-based. They are designed for low- to moderate-income households.
  • Who Provides It: Non-profits, private developers, and government programs.

d. Co-operative Housing

  • Description: Residents collectively own and manage the housing. Rent is typically lower than market rates, and members contribute to the upkeep of the property.
  • Who Provides It: Housing co-operatives in Edmonton.

e. Secondary Suites

  • Description: Basement apartments or other secondary units within homes. These are often more affordable than standalone apartments.
  • Who Provides It: Private landlords.

f. Shared Housing

  • Description: Renting a room in a shared house or apartment. This is a common option for students and young professionals.
  • Who Provides It: Private landlords or roommates.

g. Emergency and Transitional Housing

  • Description: Short-term housing for individuals or families in crisis. These are not permanent solutions but can help while seeking long-term housing.
  • Who Provides It: Shelters and non-profits like Hope Mission and YESS (Youth Empowerment & Support Services).

2. Average Costs of Housing in Edmonton

Edmonton is one of the more affordable cities in Canada, but costs vary depending on the type of housing and location.

a. Market Rental Costs (2023 Estimates)

  • Bachelor Apartment: $850โ€“$1,100/month
  • 1-Bedroom Apartment: $1,000โ€“$1,300/month
  • 2-Bedroom Apartment: $1,200โ€“$1,600/month
  • 3-Bedroom Apartment: $1,500โ€“$2,000/month

b. Subsidized Housing Costs

  • Rent is typically 30% of gross household income.

c. Affordable Rental Housing

  • Below-market rates, often 10โ€“20% lower than average market rents.

d. Shared Housing

  • $500โ€“$800/month for a room in a shared house or apartment.

3. Eligibility Requirements

Eligibility for affordable housing programs depends on the type of housing and the provider. Common requirements include:

a. Income Limits

  • Subsidized housing programs often have maximum income thresholds. For example, Capital Region Housing uses income limits based on household size and local median income.

b. Residency Status

  • Many programs require applicants to be Canadian citizens, permanent residents, or refugees. Some programs may also assist temporary residents.

c. Family Size

  • Housing providers often match the size of the unit to the size of the household.

d. Other Criteria

  • Demonstrated need for housing (e.g., current housing is unaffordable, unsafe, or overcrowded).
  • Good rental history (for some programs).

4. Application Process

The application process varies depending on the housing provider. Below is a general outline:

a. Subsidized Housing (e.g., Capital Region Housing)

  1. Check Eligibility: Review income limits and other criteria on the providerโ€™s website.
  2. Gather Documents: Commonly required documents include proof of income, identification, and current rental information.
  3. Submit Application: Applications can often be submitted online or in person.
  4. Waitlist: Many subsidized housing programs have waitlists, which can range from a few months to several years.
  5. Placement: Once a unit becomes available, you will be contacted.

b. Affordable Rental Housing

  • Contact the housing provider directly to inquire about availability and application requirements.

c. Co-operative Housing

  1. Find a Co-op: Search for housing co-operatives in Edmonton.
  2. Apply for Membership: Submit an application and attend an interview.
  3. Wait for Availability: Co-ops often have waitlists.

d. Private Rentals

  • Search for listings on platforms like Kijiji, RentFaster.ca, or Facebook Marketplace.
  • Contact landlords directly to arrange viewings and negotiate terms.

5. Helpful Resources

Here are some key organizations and resources to assist with finding affordable housing in Edmonton:

a. Capital Region Housing (CRH)

  • Website: www.crhc.ca
  • Services: Subsidized housing, affordable rentals, and housing support programs.

b. Mรฉtis Capital Housing Corporation

  • Website: www.metiscapital.ca
  • Services: Affordable housing for Mรฉtis and Indigenous families.

c. Edmonton Social Housing Corporation

  • Website: www.edmonton.ca
  • Services: Affordable housing options and resources.

d. Alberta Supports

e. Hope Mission

f. YESS (Youth Empowerment & Support Services)

  • Website: www.yess.org
  • Services: Housing and support for youth in crisis.

6. Neighborhoods to Consider

Some neighborhoods in Edmonton are known for their affordability and access to amenities:

a. Central McDougall and Queen Mary Park

  • Close to downtown and public transit.
  • Affordable rental options, including apartments and shared housing.

b. Mill Woods

  • Family-friendly area with affordable housing options.
  • Good access to schools, parks, and shopping.

c. Clareview

  • Located in northeast Edmonton.
  • Affordable apartments and townhouses, with good transit connections.

d. Alberta Avenue

  • An up-and-coming neighborhood with lower rental costs.
  • Close to downtown and cultural amenities.

e. Westwood

  • Popular with students due to its proximity to NAIT (Northern Alberta Institute of Technology).
  • Affordable rental options, including shared housing.

7. Local Considerations

  • Winter Preparedness: Edmonton experiences harsh winters, so ensure your housing is well-insulated and has reliable heating.
  • Public Transit: Edmonton Transit Service (ETS) provides bus and light rail transit (LRT) services. Living near an LRT station can save on transportation costs.
  • Utilities: Some rentals include utilities (heat, water, electricity) in the rent, while others do not. Clarify this with landlords or housing providers.

By exploring these options and resources, you can find affordable housing in Edmonton that meets your needs. If you have further questions or need assistance with a specific aspect of the process, feel free to ask!