FCSS - Low Income Supports

First Western Canadian survey on housing needs

The Town of High River FCSS is leading a housing needs assessment to determine what services and supports are needed so all residents have access to safe and affordable housing. This survey, the first of its kind in Western Canada, will encompass all communities in the MD of Foothills. "This information will help us better serve residents," explained Kate Tymstra, coordinator, FCSS programs/projects. "There are many people in our community who are either struggling to find suitable affordable housing, at risk of losing their housing, or who are homeless. This survey will help us determine the numbers of people who are having, or have had, difficulty, as well as establishing what services are needed so we can gain a deeper understanding of rural homelessness and how to prevent it."

In addition to tracking the numbers of people with housing issues, the assessment will ask people what supports they have accessed, what supports they think are missing and what is needed for the future. Housing is considered affordable if it costs no more than 30% of the household's income. Based on median rents in High River, a family of four needs an income of at least $58,000 a year to afford adequate housing. Those with incomes below that level are at risk of homelessness.

"The information gathered will provide service agencies and municipalities with valuable information to develop housing supports, options and services to reduce and prevent homelessness in our region," explained Tymstra. "The availability of suitable affordable housing affects the health of the entire community so we encourage all residents to complete the survey and check out our blog."

By completing the survey, individuals will be eligible to enter a draw for one of five Sobeys' gift certificates worth $50. The survey is available at foothillshousingstudy.com.  A blog has also been created to provide more information about the issues surrounding lack of affordable housing and housing shortages. For more information, contact the High River FCSS office at 403.603.3426.

For more information contact:

Kate Tymstra

FCSS Support Coordinator

403.603.3426

ktymstra@highriver.ca

Job/Career Assistance

McBride Career Group www.mcbridecareergroup.com offers job/career assistance.  One of the programs currently being offered is the Mature Worker Program for those aged 50+.  This flexible, no-cost program assists with workplace skills, job seaching, resume preparation, self-employment, interviewing techniques and much more. Call 403-995-4377 (Okotoks) or 403-601-2660 (High River). Click here to view poster.  Be sure to ask about other services if this "Experience Counts" program doesn't fit your needs.

Check out the upcoming Free Career Development Workshops in Okotoks and High River:

Early registrations are important - Workshops cover Career Planning, Resume Writing, Internet Basics for Work Search, and Interview Skills. . Contact the Okotoks or High River Career Offices at okotokds@mcbridecareergroup.com 409-995-4377 or highriver@mcbridecareergroup.com 403-601-2660 to find dates and times.

Affordable Housing

Information about the appartments on Main Street can be found at www.diamondrealestate.ca or through calling Dave Brown at 403-466-0203.

For information about subsidized housing and rental assistance go to www.foothillsfdtn.org or call the Foothills Foundation directly at 403-652-8600.  Application forms can be obtained from the town office.  Please call Suzan at 403-933-4348 to arrange pick up or delivery of forms.

Seasonal Supports

  • Diamond Valley Community Christmas Program
  • Help with School Supplies
    Low-income families can apply for a Staples school supplies card to help with the annual cost of supplies.
  • Volunteer Income Tax Preparation Program
    Low-income residents from the Towns of Black Diamond and Turner Valley, who are unable to complete their basic income tax returns and are unable to pay for assistance, can apply to have volunteer tax preparers process their tax returns. Low income is considered to be $18,000 for singles and $25,000 for a married couple. The program will primarily benefit seniors, students and first time employees within the stated income range.  Please click here to complete and submit an application to your Town Office.  If approved, applications will be given to the Tax Preparers for processing. For more information, please call the Town of Black Diamond Office at (403) 933-4348 or the Town of Turner Valley Office at (403) 933-4944.

Christmas Assistance Program

Toy Hampers - Families struggling to make ends meet this Christmas can apply for a toy hamper from The Foothills Salvation Army. Gifts of toys, clothing, stocking stuffers and/or books are provided for young children, and gift cards, items of clothing or toiletries, for older children. A wish list supplied at the time of registration is helpful for volunteers filling bags to select the most appropriate and/or required items for each family, within the constrictions of availability and fairness of value amongst all packages. Items donated from Turner Valley and Black Diamond are combined with items from The Salvation Army and delivered to the registered families of this community.

Christmas Dinner Hampers - Families in need can also apply to the Oilfields Food Bank for a special "Christmas Dinner" hamper containing the necessary food items for a traditional Christmas dinner. Those requiring assistance with either Toy or Dinner Hampers are asked to register through the Food Bank any Tuesday between 1:00 and 3:00 at the United Church in Turner Valley or call Wendy at 403-933-5859.

The deadline for registrations is November 30, 2012.

Hamper Pick Up is Dec. 19 at Oilfields Food Bank - The Food Bank is located in the lower level of the United Church in Turner Valley - 125 Royal Ave. - access is on the east side of the building. Both Toy and Dinner hampers will be available for pick up at the same time.