Affordable Housing

edmonton

 

211 Hot Topic: Housing In Edmonton
June 2009
Finding affordable housing in Edmonton right now is a problem for a lot of people. 211 gets a lot of calls from people looking for places to stay. Unfortunately, callers have often already accessed the housing-related referrals that we might give them.
 
If you’re looking for long-term, affordable housing, we suggest that you get onto the waiting list through the Capital Housing Region. Unfortunately, there is a long waiting period. How long you will have to wait depends on your needs. In the mean time, there are a few other options that you might try.

Hot Referral: Capital Region Affordable Housing
Description:
Provide rental housing for families, couples, and singles, where tenants pay rent set at a rate below market rent for the area. Call 211 for more information.
Phone:
(780) 420-6161

           
If this referral isn’t right for you, or you’re looking for something more short-term while you’re on the waiting list, we’ve prepared a flow chart for people looking for housing. The chart is meant to guide you in the right direction, please call 211 for more information.
 
What if nothing is available?
We understand that this is a difficult situation. If you’ve tried to access referrals, and there is no one available to help you, then here are some strategies for coping until something can be done.
  • Take a walk in your community, and look around for “for rent” signs.
  • Go to social hubs in your community (churches, YMCA/YWCA, Universities/Colleges, and so on). Many of these places have posting boards, which may have places for rent available.
  • Check the newspapers (Journal, Sun, etc) for listings.
  • Consider living with a roommate. If you do choose a roommate, it’s important to have an agreement with clear rules for rent and utility payment, how long you will each be staying, cleanliness, guests, pets, smoking, etc. 
  • See if your current landlord can be flexible with letting you stay for a while, or see if you can stay with your friends or family for a bit.
  • Keep in touch, but don’t harass. Stay calm and represent the good tenant you will be. Let the agencies know if something has changed (your income has changed, you found mould in your current home, etc), as this may change your place on the waiting list.
  • Let your MLA know about your frustrations! S/he will likely not be able to help directly, but is your voice to the government. The contact information for MLAs is available at http://www.assembly.ab.ca/lao/mla/index.asp 
  • Emergency Social Services are available for some people, and may be able to provide help if you’ve just been evicted, or need to cover a damage deposit. To be eligible, you must qualify as an income support client. They are reachable at (780) 644-5135, or toll-free from outside Edmonton at 1-866-644-5135.
 
Good luck!
 

Last updated: July 27, 2010