Giving back to our community in an authentic and impactful way.
Spire's number one goal in 2021 was to find an organization in Alberta that we felt aligned with and figure out a way to support that organization in a truly beneficial and authentic way.
In December 2020, Forward Housing ran their "Pay it Forward" campaign and Spire Mortgage Team was challenged to get involved in that campaign through some of our trusted industry partners.
Since 1975, Forward Housing has been working to ensure that every Calgarian has a safe and affordable place to call home. Passionate about homeownership and safe housing opportunities, we couldn't help but feel excited about getting involved with Forward Housing.
About Forward Housing
▲ As a housing management body, they operate 477 senior, self-contained units, across seven apartment buildings, for the Government of Alberta.
▲ As an affordable housing provider, they own and operate a 76-unit apartment complex, and are currently bringing on 104 more units in their new building, Bishop's manor.
Forward Housing serves a diverse mix of low income Calgarians. From families and individuals with a variety of needs, including those with mental health and mobility challenges, the working poor, seniors and those leaving homelessness and domestic violence.
▲ Their mixed income, mixed use approach helps reduce stigma, promotes community integration, and enhances quality of life for their residents.
▲ Forward Housing subscribes to the Housing First principle; an approach to ending homelessness that centers on quickly moving people experiencing homelessness into independent and permanent housing and then providing additional supports and services as needed.
Generating Affordable Possibilities (GAP)
Many of the families residing in Forward Housing's buildings are forced to choose between paying rent and putting food on the table or purchasing necessary medication. This isn't a choice that we believe people should have to make. Forward Housing's GAP program allows many households bridge that gap so that they don't have to choose between basic needs and a safe and affordable place to call home.
Because of the generous efforts of their donor's, on August 21st, 2021, Forward Housing will be updating the rental model at Columbus Place to offer ALL households affordable rent.
To continue to offer affordable rents to all households, the GAP Program needs to raise approximately $76,000 per year. Spire is proud to say that we will continue to support this program in 2021.
Having donated over $7000 to Forward Housing already, we are well on our way to meet our goal of $10,000 donated to this amazing cause.
Welcome Home Bundles
In addition to helping with the GAP program, recently, we've had the opportunity to help with the “Welcome Home Bundles” for families arriving at Forward Housing's new housing development - Bishop's Manor. All of the tenants moving into Bishop's Manor received a pair of our custom "House Party" socks!