Need Emergency Funds? Here’s What Calgarians Are Asking

Calgarians are increasingly feeling the squeeze, as soaring living costs push many to the brink and into reliance on emergency financial aid. A recent report indicates a staggering 41% of Albertans feel anxious about their financial situation, with 25% of Calgary residents struggling to meet basic financial needs – a noticeable increase from previous years.

The city's cost of living, encompassing essentials like food, shelter, and transportation, has been noted as the highest among major Canadian cities. Rent, a major component, has seen "astronomical" increases, with Calgary experiencing a 14.3% jump in average rental costs in 2023, the highest nationwide. As of July 2024, unfurnished one-bedroom units in Calgary saw a 6.11% year-over-year increase, while overall monthly rents for these units decreased slightly month-to-month. This ongoing trend means 78% of renters in Calgary had to make sacrifices in other areas to cover their housing payments in 2024.

For those facing immediate hardship, the 24-hour emergency funding line provided by Alberta's Income Support Contact Centre is a critical lifeline, offering help with basic needs such as food, accommodation, and medication. However, accessing longer-term support, like the Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped (AISH) program, can involve lengthy processing times, sometimes extending to six months or even longer. This delay leaves many vulnerable Calgarians in a precarious position, navigating complex systems while grappling with daily financial pressures.