Reaching Home

ABOUT CANADA’S HOMELESSNESS STRATEGY

This is a community-based program aimed at preventing and reducing homelessness across Canada. Reaching Home was created to support the most vulnerable Canadians in maintaining safe, stable and affordable housing and to reduce chronic homelessness nationally by 50 per cent by 2027–2028.

ABOUT ASC’S REACHING HOME PROGRAM

Homelessness is broader than living on the street – it can mean couch surfing, utility shut off or an eviction notice. Many individuals can be at risk of homelessness when their circumstances change such as fleeing domestic violence, marital break ups, unemployment, underemployment, illness, family crisis or trauma, etc.

So many people and communities are affected by homelessness, and at ASC we are doing something about it. Funded by the Government of Canada’s Reaching Home: Canada’s Homelessness Strategy and administered by the Rural Development Network, ASC offers the Reaching Home program.

ASC’s Reaching Home program has a twofold outcomes approach of capacity building and direct financial support:

1. Capacity Building

Capacity building offers the chance to increase the effectiveness and sustainability of change. Offering resources provides people with the opportunity to respond differently to challenges and to address what is impacting their circumstances. ASC can refer to other community resources so clients can develop and strengthen skills for personal growth and begin taking steps toward long-term housing security.

2. Direct Financial Assistance

Providing direct financial assistance to reduce the potential of housing insecurity or homelessness, ASC assists individuals and families with circumstances that are impacting their ability to obtain or maintain housing:

  • Damage deposit
  • First month’s rent
  • Utility hookups
  • Rental arrears
  • Utility arrears

Applicants must meet eligibility criteria to receive direct financial assistance.

All funds will be paid directly to the applicable landlord or utility provider, via cheque, with a receipt required. Funds will not be provided directly to an applicant.

WHO IS ELIGIBLE

ASC’s Reaching Home program is available to all residents, without discrimination, in three regions serving multiple communities. If your community is not listed below, please give us a call at 1-866-566-4122 (toll-free) to inquire.

  • Central – Carstairs, Cremona, Didsbury, Olds, Sundre, and Mountain View County
  • East Central – Drumheller, Three Hills, Hanna and surrounding communities within Knee Hill County and Starland County
  • Rural East Calgary – Chestermere, Strathmore and surrounding communities in East Rocky View County and Wheatland County

Eligibility Criteria

  • Living in the specified geographical area
  • Homeless or at risk of becoming homeless (including rent or utility arrears)
  • Over the age of 16
  • Proven financial need
  • Not currently receiving other housing supports

Note: ASC uses the Government of Alberta 2022 Housing Income Threshold and an application process to determine eligibility.

REFERRALS AND APPLICATION

Referrals can be made by the individual or family themselves, by other community service providers, a Family Resource Network, or directly to ASC. 

Completed Applications can be emailed to reachinghome@asc-mva.ab.ca or call toll-free 1-866-556-4122 to arrange for in-person submission.