Alberta’s governing UCP recently announced several cuts to provincial funding, citing the province’s rising deficit.
The cuts tighten requirements for seniors’ benefits and tax credits.
Single older adults earning more than $32,690 and couples earning over $53,800 will no longer qualify for the Alberta Seniors Benefit.
As prices continue to rise, low-income older adults are struggling to afford life in Calgary.
For many, the biggest challenge is finding affordable housing.
Subsidized housing for seniors
Calgary Heritage Housing is a non-profit organization that offers subsidized housing for low-income older adults and operates 14 locations across the city.
Rent prices are based on income, where tenants typically pay 30 per cent of their monthly earnings.
Calgary Heritage Housing manages provincially owned housing for tenants 65 and older.
“Our focus is entirely on low to mid-income seniors,” said Jarret Nixon, Calgary Heritage Housing’s chief operating officer. “Our rent is based not on the market, but on what your notice of assessment says. We charge a third of rent based on that.”
While residents are still responsible for their groceries, parking and utilities, Calgary Heritage Housing aims to offer resources beyond affordable housing.
Residents say the biggest benefit Calgary Heritage Housing provides is the sense of community.
The organization gives tenants access to registered social workers who can help residents use services such as counselling and income support. There are also life enrichment staff who help organize social activities within the building.
“They’re at the age where their friends start to pass away, their families are gone and that connection to the community and the connection within their building is just so important,” said Nixon.
Connection at Cambrian
Laurie Ferguson didn’t realize the importance of community and a sense of purpose until she moved into Calgary Heritage Housing’s Cambrian Manor.
Living with Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), the 71-year-old is grateful she found affordable rent.
“Every month, I know exactly what my rent will be, that makes it a lot easier to plan for groceries and other expenses,” said Ferguson.
In more than five years she’s been in the complex, the support the tenants share for one another stands out the most.
“This is independent living, but it’s also a community. We help each other, look out for each other,” said Ferguson.
Calgary Heritage Housing offers tenants common areas for gathering and hosts weekly activities, such as yoga and knitting.
Ferguson believes these activities help tenants cope with social isolation.
“Even a little help, a visit, or just showing someone they’re not forgotten can make a huge difference. We all help each other,” said Ferguson.
Community after loss
Don Wright is one of the oldest tenants at Cambrian Manor.
The 90-year-old first moved in with his wife, Sheila, back in 2013.
Before moving into Cambrian Manor, the couple lived in an apartment. One day, the owner sold the building, leaving the Wrights with nowhere to live.
Wright said it can be difficult to find affordable housing in a growing city like Calgary.
“You’re limited on how much income you’ve got,” said Wright. “You can’t go out and rent a house because that’s $2,500 to $3,000. That’s my whole paycheck.”
Through a personal connection, the Wrights were introduced to Calgary Heritage Housing and have lived there ever since.
“If you don’t have a place for me, I will have to buy a big cardboard box,” Wright joked.
Now Wright lives alone, as his wife passed away last year from health complications.
He said some days are particularly difficult.
“My wife and I did everything together,” said Wright. “I’m finding it very difficult to get involved with anything anymore.”
Luckily, Wright is surrounded by a supportive community of friends at Cambrian Manor. A group of women in the building often goes on small excursions, and Wright has now joined them as the only man.
“The ladies really treat me great,” said Wright.
Cambrian Manor has provided Wright not only with an affordable place to live but also with a social outlet, where he has become one of the most outgoing tenants in the building.
As the cost of living continues to rise, affordable housing providers for older adults, such as Calgary Heritage Housing, are becoming increasingly important.
By offering income and support services, the organization helps older adults stay independent and connected to their communities.