Are there programs to help pay for housing for newcomers?

Moving to a new city, especially to another country, always comes with numerous challenges, one of the most important of which is finding and paying for housing. For newcomers to Calgary, including Ukrainians who have arrived in Canada in recent years, the issue of housing support is extremely relevant. In this article, we will look at whether there are housing assistance programs for newcomers in Calgary, what types of support are available, and where to apply for help.

1. General situation with housing for newcomers in Calgary

According to the City of Calgary, one in five families has trouble paying for housing, and the vacancy rate in 2020-2022 decreased from 6% to 3%, making it difficult to find affordable housing. At the same time, average rents have increased by about 40% over this period, which creates additional financial difficulties for newcomers. This is especially acute for Ukrainians arriving under the CUAET (Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel) program. They are entitled to temporary accommodation in hotel rooms for up to 14 days, but long-term housing remains a problem due to the limited number of available apartments and high prices.

2. Federal support programs.

CUAET Program.

Launched in 2022, this program provides Ukrainians with temporary permission to live and work in Canada for up to three years. Initially, no financial support was provided, but additional measures were later introduced:

  • One-time financial assistance in the amount of 3000 CAD for adults and 1500 CAD for children.
  • Temporary housing (up to 14 days) in Calgary and Edmonton.
  • Language courses and settlement support. This assistance is intended to provide the first period of adaptation, but does not cover long-term housing costs.

Other federal programs

Newcomers may also be eligible for one-time financial assistance from the Government of Canada to help cover basic needs at the beginning of their stay, including housing costs.

3. Provincial and municipal support programs

The Government of Alberta and the City of Calgary have their own programs aimed at helping newcomers:

  • Financial support for low-income families, which may include assistance with housing, utilities, food and other basic needs.
  • Settlement programs**, which help to find housing, prepare documents, and get advice on renting.
  • Subsidized housing** - the city's Fair Entry program allows you to apply for housing with government subsidies for low-income families and individuals. Importantly, to qualify for these programs, you must meet certain income and status criteria.

4. The role of non-governmental organizations

There are numerous non-governmental organizations in Calgary that help newcomers with housing:

  • Alliance of Alberta Immigrant Service Agencies (AAISA) - coordinates settlement services, assists with housing search and provides counseling.
  • Catholic Social Services** - provides support with housing issues.
  • Operation Ukrainian Safe Haven** is an initiative that helps Ukrainians find safe housing and adapt to Canada. These organizations often work in partnership with government agencies and can refer you to appropriate assistance programs.

5. How to apply for housing assistance?

To receive financial support or subsidies, newcomers must:

6. Challenges and prospects

Despite the availability of programs, many newcomers face difficulties:

  • A limited number of affordable housing units.
  • Lack of credit history and references for newcomers.
  • Rising rents in the market.
  • The temporary nature of some support programs. Therefore, it is important to combine state assistance with active housing search, support from public organizations and budget planning.

Conclusion

In Calgary, there are both federal and provincial programs to help newcomers pay for housing, especially for Ukrainians who came under the CUAET program. They include temporary housing, one-time financial payments, and low-income subsidies. However, these programs have time and scope limitations, so it is important to apply for assistance in a timely manner and use the support of community organizations. Finding housing in Calgary remains a challenge due to rising prices and limited supply, but the availability of support programs makes it much easier for newcomers to adapt.