Through hard work, determination and despite many obstacles along the way, the Southland affordable housing complex in Medicine Hat, Alberta is rapidly approaching its completion. Much of the success of this project can be given to the Medicine Hat Real Estate Board’s charitable foundation.
The Southland project has 50 affordable one or two bedroom rental units. Each building has either six or eight apartments and the ground floor units are all handicap accessible. These units help provide housing for a segment of the community that has trouble finding an affordable place to rent.
The project took two years to develop and, Medicine Hat Real Estate Board members had two roles that lead to the successful completion of the Southland project.
The first role was for them to act as advocates for the project, which was accomplished by speaking directly with politicians from the three levels of government.
The second role was for the member’s to act as fundraisers. They were committed to raising $100,000.00 for this project. Through personal contributions and by having a successful golf tournament, members of the MHREB were able to raise $25,000.00. With the assistance of the Alberta Real Estate Foundation, who contributed $75,000.00, they were able to meet their commitment in 2008.
“The politicians were very happy to hear from business people, REALTORS®, who where willing to provide a voice and dollars for a low cost housing development,” said Medicine Hat Real Estate Board Executive Officer Richard Carrier. “This project has been excellent opportunity for the members of the Medicine Hat Real Estate Board to create a better community,” added Carrier.
Pictured above: Workers on site at one of the Southland affordable housing complex projects.
