CREB^® REALTOR^® Community Foundation announces 2020 grant recipients

After a four-month application and selection process, the CREB^® REALTOR^® Community Foundation has officially announced the recipients of its 2020 Community and Transformation grants.

The Foundation’s Community Grant recipients were the Calgary Women’s Emergency Shelter, Discovery House Family Violence Prevention Society and Emma Maternity House Society. These grants support projects that keep people housed by assisting vulnerable populations at risk of losing housing or shelter.

“CREB^®’s generous support will help Discovery House maintain the integrity of our second-stage shelter so that we may provide uninterrupted services and a safe haven to women and children fleeing domestic violence,” said Kate Price, director of fund development for the Discovery House Family Violence Prevention Society. “(The grant) supports critical shelter maintenance and repair that will guarantee housing for those who need it most.”

Meanwhile, the Foundation’s Transformation Grant recipients were Habitat for Humanity Southern Alberta, Kids Cancer Care Foundation of Alberta and Inn from the Cold. These grants are designed to respond to community infrastructure needs by helping expand, renovate or repair existing spaces.

“(Camp Kindle) is a home away from home for our kids,” said Genine Neufeld, director of philanthropy for Kids Cancer Care Foundation of Alberta. “We love that CREB^® understands our vision, understands the purpose of the camp and wants to support it because it just means the world to our kids and families.”

For many of these non-profit organizations, the need for donations has been especially high this year due to the uniquely challenging circumstances created by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“In times of crisis, incidents of family violence and abuse can increase,” said Kim Ruse, CEO of the Calgary Women’s Emergency Shelter. “We are grateful to the CREB^® REALTOR^® Community Foundation for their donation. We rely on the generosity of the community to help us keep those impacted by family violence and abuse safe during the COVID-19 crisis.”

The Foundation unveiled its revamped grant programs earlier this year. Since community need is complex and multifaceted, the Foundation created three new grant streams – Legacy, Community and Transformation – in an effort address housing and shelter issues from several angles.

The Foundation’s Legacy Grant funding for 2020, which creates new housing options for people who need it most, was awarded to Habitat for Humanity Southern Alberta as part of CREB^®’s $1-million capital investment and three-year partnership to create 32 new housing units for low-income working families.

“We’re really grateful for the CREB^® REALTOR^® Community Foundation and CREB^® REALTORS^® – for the members supporting our work,” said Sue Lee, director of philanthropy for Habitat for Humanity Southern Alberta. “Because if anyone understands the importance of the home, it’s REALTORS®. They help people find homes and make a home.”

For more information about the CREB^® REALTOR^® Community Foundation and this year’s grant recipients, visit creb.com.

Tagged: Community Investment | CREB®