MYTH TWO

When we talk about permanent supportive housing, we mean an apartment building that is home to people who need income assistance and 24/7 support to keep them healthy and safe. Sometimes it can be awkward to welcome strangers as neighbours, especially when we don’t understand their situation and background.

In many cities, Calgary included, there is a reluctance to welcome permanent supported housing for our most vulnerable citizens into neighbourhoods. Lots of us think that supportive housing is a good addition to our society, but we don’t want it near our own community. We call this characterization “NIMBYism”, an acronym for “Not In My Back Yard”.

Many believe the presence of permanent supportive housing will bring down the property value of the surrounding houses in the neighbourhood. But, according to Calgary-specific research, this isn’t the case! Avison Young looked at the prices of residential properties in close proximity to two buildings that PSH builder and owner HomeSpace owns with a partner agency. They found no negative impact on residential property values.

Research can be found at: www.homespace.org/research