Rapid Housing Initiative projects lauded by mayor
By Alejandra Pulido-Guzman - Lethbridge Herald on February 9, 2023.
Herald photo by Alejandra Pulido-Guzman
Blackfoot Family Lodge Society's Soaring Heart Project under construction at 830 - 7 Street North is one of three local projects receiving support from the federal government Rapid Housing Initiative program.LETHBRIDGE HERALDapulido@lethbridgeherald.com
Mayor Blaine Hyggen spoke to reporters on Wednesday about city council support for federal government Rapid Housing Initiative program and what it means for the city.
“Exciting news yesterday with this announcement of the support for three different organizations in our community for the Rapid Housing Initiative,” said Hyggen.
 He was referring to projects of Blackfoot Family Lodge, Blood Tribe Housing and MyCityCare Lethbridge whose representatives provided presentations during Tuesday’s council meeting.
“Three exciting projects to come, especially with housing being one of the top priorities for this council,” said Hyggen.
He said these initiatives are great since affordable housing has been an issue the community struggled with, adding it would be great to see all three projects approved for federal funding.
“We’ve seen with some of the different challenges we’ve had, some social issues over the past, that this is definitely a step in the right direction,” said Hyggen.
 He said that to see all three of them approved, if that was to be the case, would take many people who are on the streets and the most vulnerable into a home.
 “To see these three organizations come forward and wanting to help with the funds that they are providing, as well as outside of even the federal funding or provincial funding that may come, it’s fantastic to see, to be very honest,” said Hyggen.
He said it is very important to note individuals living on the streets are city residents.
“We want to do all we can to be able to support those that are looking (for) and needing housing, so whether it comes from any level of government, it’s still important that we’re here to help in any way that we can,” said Hyggen.
He said the projects brought forward for conditional funding were selected because they were “shovel ready.”
The projects must be able to be completed before January 1, 2025 if approved for RHI funding.Â
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Most of those individuals living on the streets are there by choice. They don’t want the taxpayer’s help, Mr Hyggen!