Investing in housing, healing and hope

As Canada marked National Housing Day this past weekend, Lethbridge received high praise for its local housing efforts. The recognition follows Lethbridge’s 2024 Housing Needs Assessment (HNA). The HNA shows that, while progress is happening, many people – especially renters and vulnerable groups – still face challenges with housing costs and availability.

The City of Lethbridge has an important role as a Community Entity (CE) under Reaching Home: Canada's Homelessness Strategy. The City oversees how federal funding is used locally, tracking its progress and impact. Notable successes include overall financial accountability, implementation of a new data management system to track homelessness service delivery, and the City’s Integrated Coordinated Access (ICA) system. Several standout programs were highlighted, helping women, children and youth find safety and stability:

• Hope Transitional Housing, run by YWCA Lethbridge, gives shelter and support to women and children escaping violence. With $401,305 in federal funding, and support from the municipal ASHCG, Hope offers 12 beds and shared spaces, along with legal help, therapy, life skills and support for school or work. Since opening in June 2025, it has helped 22 people - three have moved into homes of their own.
• Housing Start-Up Kits, launched by Wood’s Homes in April 2025 with $25,000 in funding, have helped 30 youth move into their first homes. The kits include beds, kitchen tools, cleaning supplies, and gift cards. Many of the youth came from the Emergency Youth Shelter and Opportunity Hub. The kits help them feel ready and supported.

These programs succeed because of strong partnerships. YWCA works with groups like Interfaith Food Bank and Lethbridge Family Services. Wood’s Homes partners with the City and London Drugs, supporting the implementation of the Community Wellbeing and Safety Strategy (CWSS).

“This funding from Reaching Home, and our partnerships with the City of Lethbridge and London Drugs, fills us with gratitude and allows us to make a significant impact,” says Kelsey DesRoche, Program Supervisor at Wood’s Homes.

In all, the City supported 10 programs through the Affordable and Social Housing Capital Grant (ASHCG) - a key part of the Municipal Housing Strategy (MHS). These will create up to 415 affordable homes, and the impact is already being seen.

“These results show what’s possible when cities and partners work together,” says Andrew Malcolm, GM of Community Social Development. “We look forward to continuing this progress to help more of our community members find safe, permanent housing.”

That progress continues with a new call for proposals to support local projects that prevent and reduce homelessness. Operational and Capital Funding, for 2027 and 2028, is available through Reaching Home. Projects must align with priorities in the CWSS, MHS and HNA. Find more details and apply on the City's Community Wellbeing Call for Proposal webpage.

With national recognition, a clear understanding of local needs and a growing list of housing solutions, Lethbridge is showing what’s possible when communities work together. The goal is simple and powerful: help people heal, grow, and live independently. Together, we’re building more than homes - we’re building hope.

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