Rising Cost of Living Pushes Calgarians Closer to Poverty
As poverty in Calgary becomes less visible but more widespread, advocates like Meaghon Reid from Vibrant Communities Calgary and Karen Young from United Way are calling for urgent action. In a advertorial for the United Way’s latest poverty-awareness campaign, both leaders stress the rising costs of housing, food, and basic needs that are pushing more families to the brink of homelessness. “The face of poverty really is all around us,” Reid warns, highlighting how even working families are struggling to make ends meet. With the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty as a backdrop, the article calls on Calgarians to unite against these systemic challenges.
One Third of Albertans Share Bills and Eat Less to Cope with Rising Costs
A new survey reveals that 37% of Albertans are adopting cost-sharing measures, such as bill-splitting and grocery pooling, to manage rising living expenses, while 35% are reducing their food intake. Meaghon Reid, executive director of Vibrant Communities Calgary, emphasizes that since the pandemic, nearly half of Albertans are now struggling to meet basic living costs, making the need for community support more critical than ever.
Calgary Bungalow with 13 Bedrooms Sheds Light on Overcrowded Housing Crisis
With affordable housing in short supply, a Calgary bungalow boasting 13 bedrooms has become a controversial example of how some residents are forced into cramped, overcrowded living conditions. Meaghon Reid, Executive Director of Vibrant Communities Calgary, emphasizes the urgency of addressing Calgary's housing affordability issues: "This is an example of why we need more affordable housing in Calgary." The situation highlights the growing challenge of finding adequate housing for vulnerable populations, including immigrants and low-income residents, and the potential risks associated with such overcrowding.
Read the full article: Calgary bungalow with 13 bedrooms listed for half a million dollars
Income-Generating Home with 13 Bedrooms Sparks Concerns
A recent listing in northeast Calgary for a bungalow with 13 bedrooms, described as "income-generating," has drawn attention to the extreme housing challenges many low-income residents face. The cramped and overcrowded conditions serve as a stark reminder of the city's housing affordability crisis. Meaghon Reid, Executive Director of VCC, reiterates the need for better housing options, emphasizing that overcrowded spaces like these are a consequence of inadequate affordable housing availability in Calgary.
