Alberta providing temporary rent assistance for affordable housing

Alberta is providing temporary rent assistance to more than 80 communities with the goal of helping those struggling to cover their housing rent, according to a provincial statement.

The benefit is a part of this year’s provincial budget which set aside $7.2 million for rent assistance.

The Temporary Rent Assistance Benefit also now includes the communities of Airdrie, Fort Macleod, Rocky Mountain House, and Conklin.

The subsidy will be granted to low-income households and people who are struggling and in between jobs and will provide assistance for up to two years to help tenants afford their rent until they reach a stable situation, says the release.

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The benefit payout is directly given to applicants and is based on household size and location and starts at $100 per month.

People are qualified to apply if they are below the low-income threshold, are currently employed, or were employed in the last 24 months if you were not receiving social assistance.

The benefit is part of the Rent Supplement program which was launched in March 2021 with the aim of making housing more affordable for Albertans and so far the benefit helps 11,600 households.

The benefit will be distributed by various housing organizations including:

• Calgary Housing Company
• Civida (Edmonton)
• Grande Spirit Foundation
• Lethbridge Housing Authority
• Medicine Hat Community Housing Society
• Red Deer Housing Authority
• Wood Buffalo Housing & Development Corporation