CALGARY REALTORS TAKE AFFORDABLE HOUSING SERIOUSLY

On January 18th, 2007 Calgary REALTORS® saw their efforts come to fruition with the completion of the 60 unit affordable housing facility, Crestwood, open and ready for move-in. This project, located in the Milligan-Ogden area, has been in the works since 2005, with the Calgary Real Estate Board’s Charitable Foundation partnering with the City of Calgary to raise funds. The CREB® Charitable Foundation raised over 1.6 Million toward the project.

Why did Calgary REALTORS® step forward? Because REALTORS® care about this city, the working poor population, and the community at large. REALTORS® meet their clients and get to know them on a very personal level. It isn’t just about getting a listing, signing a contract, and exchanging keys on possession day. REALTORS® develop relationships with families, find out what their expectations are, and realize the dreams of the families they put in homes.

It’s no surprise that REALTORS® see the bigger picture; some citizens in this great city simply can’t afford to buy a home. While they work and they strive for that goal, they just can’t make ends meet to qualify in the conventional sense.

Imagine a family of four with two parents working and two children going to school everyday. It’s not that hard to imagine, but imagine that at the end of the day, they sleep in a church basement, or in a shelter. Don’t these people deserve what we all want, a place for our family to grow and feel comfortable and safe; a place to call home? REALTORS® think they do.

Through a recent Provincial survey, the findings state that 68 per cent of REALTORS® have taken volunteerism to heart and are driven by a deep desire to make a difference.
 
In a recent speech at CREB’s Forecast Breakfast, CREB® President, Ed Jensen, spoke to this issue saying, “You [REALTORS®] donate your time, energy, and money into your communities, your city, and across the country; we are just now trying to measure how much REALTORS® do,” said Jensen.

“Our current project is the ‘Crestwood Affordable Housing project”. We have raised over 1.6 Million for low income housing in 18 months with every one of our 5,700 members contributing. When the Rotary Club was looking for funds to operate the newly built Rotary Challenger Park, for children with special needs, REALTORS® were there.

The Canadian Real Estate Association has just organized the national REALTORS® Care Foundation, which includes a membership of over 88,000 members. This year, I intend to spread the word of the good works REALTORS® do,” Jensen, concluded.

In a recent speech given at the official opening of the Crestwood building, Dave Hiley, 2007 President of CREB’s Charitable Foundation had this to say, “In early March 60 families will begin to move into their new homes and this will be a very exciting time. The play ground equipment just outside will begin to echo with the sound of laughter and excitement.”
But as we leave here today we need to remember that, as good as this is, it’s a very small beginning. If we need motivation to continue and to focus on the housing challenges we face, I’d like to leave you with this thought.

If we highlighted the first 60 names on the long list of those who need an affordable home it would look pretty good. However, let’s focus on ensuring that very soon we can take out our highlighter and by doing so put smiles on the faces of family number 61. Today they’re still hoping, and waiting, and counting on the power of our partnerships and our resolve to make affordable housing solutions a reality,” concluded Hiley

There’s an old saying, if you want something done, give it to a busy person.

REALTORS® are busy, but they’re not too busy to care and make a difference.

(Source: CREB)

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