BCW in Action Affordable housing project

The Furaha Project

Furaha means happiness and happiness should start at home.

The vision of The Furaha is Safe, Dignified and Affordable housing for all, free from systemic and interpersonal barriers. The Furaha is a solution to the housing problem across western Canada affecting the Focus Group. By providing affordable housing with community programs to support renters, The Furaha will equip its Focus Group with tools, resources, and skills to build their socio-economic participation and economic growth.

The Furaha project is the first of many projects for Canadian Women in Action. This project will provide 72 mixed housing units, all of which will be affordable. The project is fully committed to keeping these units affordable for at least 20 years. In addition to the provision of affordable housing, the Furaha project will also provide up to 10 paid apprenticeships during the build phase, for ongoing maintenance and to support the subsidized businesses and services operating on site. There will also be designated spaces to support BCW programs targeted at the focus group. These programs include centre of wellbeing, entrepreneurship, and integration to Canada.

Housing is absolutely essential to human flourishing. Without stable shelter, it all falls apart - Matthew Desmond

View Project Document

Data from the City of Calgary Housing Needs Assessment 2023 depicts “One in five Calgary households are unable to afford where they currently live. That's over 84,600 households who are spending more than 30% of their income on housing.” Currently, only 3.6% of all housing in Calgary is non-market housing, significantly below the national average in urban centers, indicating a significant demand for affordable housing solutions. This example is consistent not only across Calgary but across much of Alberta, the Prairies and Canada.

While many demographic groups are impacted by housing affordability there is particular need amongst women. The City of Calgary Housing Needs Assessment 2023 revealed that there is a rise in homelessness among women, with a notable increase in the number of women experiencing homelessness in 2022 compared to 2018.

Canadian Women In Action Society sees a long-term mission to provide affordable housing to a defined focus group which includes women, key workers, students, and those new to Canada. Our approach will provide affordable housing, training and core support services all within walking or riding distance.