Norfolk Housing Association is unique in both our model and our approach. We’re proud to be unique, and ardent supporters of a mixed-income model; but the way in which we provide mixed-income housing (there are many ways) comes with some really unique opportunities, as well as some unique challenges.

Every year this event is a true testament to community, but something about this year felt even more so. And it was a true family affair this year, too.

If swift action is not taken now, housing affordability will continue to erode at an alarming pace in our city as we continue to lose ground on the supply and condition of non-market affordable housing at a rapid rate. This is causing severe consequences to the social wellbeing of Calgarians, who are at risk of having to spend ever increasing shares of their household income on housing and who are at greater risk of homelessness.

You’ll hear a similar refrain in almost any industry: “know who you serve so you can serve them exceptionally well”.

And it may seem strange or even frustrating at first, but this is important even for housing providers like NHA, in order to ensure the success of our model and ultimately, the success of our residents.

Asset preservation for aging buildings with a nonprofit model is not a simple task and we’re shedding some light on how we make sure that our buildings (and the homes within them) remain in great shape for the years to come.

Here at NHA, we’ve certainly never taken the mental health of our residents lightly. But we’ve definitely seen shifts in need and we also continue to learn and understand more and more of what we don’t yet know.

Thank you for another exceptional year of serving, learning, and living in this beautiful community. We can’t wait to see what the next year will bring!