Bernadette Majdell, CEO of HomeSpace, leads one of Calgary’s most impactful non-profits dedicated to tackling the city’s housing crisis. Since 2016, HomeSpace has grown into a vital provider of safe, affordable, and permanent homes, with 927 units across 35 properties that serve more than 1,300 residents. Working in close partnership with 17 social service agencies, the organization ensures that Calgary’s most vulnerable populations not only have a place to live but also access the wrap-around supports needed to thrive. Under Majdell’s leadership, HomeSpace has become a cornerstone of the city’s efforts to address homelessness and housing insecurity, championing the belief that every Calgarian deserves a home.
Describe your charity/non-profit/volunteer work in a few sentences.
HomeSpace is a non-profit that builds, owns and operates non-market housing in Calgary, Alberta. We have a portfolio of 927 units across 35 properties – serving over 1300 residents. Our focus is on Calgary’s most vulnerable populations, ensuring their needs are met through safe, affordable housing. Each property serves the unique needs of a specific population through strong partnerships with social services agencies who provide wrap-around supports to keep residents connected with the resources they need to thrive.
What problem does it aim to solve?
In Calgary today, nearly 1 in 5 households cannot currently afford their housing and over 3,000 Calgarians have been identified as experiencing homelessness on any given night. Our sole focus is on providing safe, affordable housing to those who need it most in our city.
When did you start/join it?
I started with HomeSpace in 2016 when we became a registered charity independent of the Calgary Homeless Foundation.
What made you want to get involved?
I have always firmly believed that housing is the cornerstone of a society’s well-being. Without safe housing, it’s nearly impossible for people to focus on their health, education or employment. Having a home gives people the stability they need to engage in community life, which creates safer and more diverse neighbourhoods and cities.
I also feel strongly that we have a shared responsibility as Calgarians to care for those who are most vulnerable – and that care starts with housing. Seeing the difference that a safe, stable home can make in someone’s life is what drew me to this work and continues to motivate me every day.
What was the situation like when you started?
When I started back in 2016, there was far less collaboration within the sector, which made coordinating more difficult. We didn’t have a strong framework for sharing information or aligning efforts, so it often felt like we were all trying to tackle the same complex issues separately.
Today, there is much more emphasis on cohesion and systems planning, and that shift has allowed organizations like ours to grow and expand Calgary’s non-market housing supply more quickly than ever before. Building strong partnerships with 17 different social service agencies has also been key to this success by helping us move people from homelessness into safe, permanent housing with the supports they need to thrive.
How has it changed since?
The biggest change I’ve seen since HomeSpace began is the increasing support for affordable housing. All levels of government and local philanthropists have made significant investments that have truly made a real difference in Calgary’s housing landscape.
It was incredibly inspiring to see the entire city rally behind the City’s 2023 Housing Strategy, and to witness the success of the Capital Campaign for Affordable Housing (formerly known as RESOLVE), which helped us create more than 450 new homes. That level of collective commitment gives organizations like ours the ability to keep expanding the supply of affordable housing for the people who need it most.
What more needs to be done?
We’re on the right track, and it’s encouraging to see, but there is still work to be done. If we want to close the widening supply gap, we have to keep investing in housing across the entire housing continuum – from shelters to supportive housing to permanent, affordable homes.
As an organization, we’re committed to never settling into a status quo. Instead, we will continually explore new possibilities that create as many homes as possible. Over the next few years, we will continue to grow our team, partnerships, and impact – always keeping our vision of “a home for everyone in our community” at the top of our minds.
How can our readers help?
Help us advocate for affordable housing by engaging your friends, colleagues, and local government representatives at the municipal, provincial and federal levels.
Spread the word about HomeSpace and what we do.
Donate to help us upkeep our current properties and fund new projects.
Where can we follow you?
Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn | Website
PAY IT FORWARD: What is an awesome local charity that you love?
The Calgary Food Bank.
Housing and food insecurity go hand in hand. When someone has both a safe, affordable place to live and enough to eat, they have the foundation to build a stable, fulfilling life. The Food Bank will soon be opening a satellite location in one of our downtown buildings, which we are really excited about. It will make it easier not only for our residents, but for anyone in the downtown community to access the food they need.
