While it seems the housing market in the province has cooled, there is no sign the government of Alberta plans to change the Direct To Rent Supplement Program, says Lisa Clarke from Century 21 who is the administrator of Drumheller Housing Authority.
The program, which started in 2007, has seen strong participation in Drumheller. According to the housing Administration, there are approximately 150 families in Drumheller, Three Hills, Hanna, and surrounding areas that are taking advantage of the program.
“As far as we know there are no plans to stop it,” said Clarke.
The program provides assistance to households in need by subsidizing rent. Basically if more than a certain percentage of your income goes to rent and housing expenses, you may be eligible for a Subsidy. Your application then gets sent to Alberta Housing and Urban Affairs where it gets further assessed. Once Qualified they will pay directly to an eligible tenant to assist with rental costs to subsidize the difference between a negotiated market rent and 30 percent of the household adjusted income. This means the tenant is only expected to contribute about one third of their household income to shelter.
Those wanting to take advantage of the program can still do so by applying through the Drumheller Housing Authority in Drumheller at Century 21. Forms are available at Kneehill Regional FCSS in Three Hills, and the Hanna Learning Center.
For more information on the Direct To Tenant Rent Supplement Program call Lisa, Linda or Hansine at 403-823-2121 or go to www.rentdrumheller.ca
