We want to thank you for the coverage on one of our Affordable Housing Initiative projects in Edmonton (July issue).

I would like to clarify a couple of points in the article.  The amount of assistance received was not in the millions but rather thousands of dollars. The contributions, primarily donated goods and services (not cash), were not received by the Alberta Real Estate Association, but by the Central Edmonton Community Land Trust – the non‑profit group that owns the house. 

Through our Affordable Housing Initiative, AREA assisted the Central Edmonton Community Land Trust by assigning Brian Finley as their buyer agent. Brian found an appropriate property, and also volunteered extensive time as project manager for the renovations. A‑Channel’s weekly television remotes raised the profile of the project, and encouraged many of the community sponsors to participate.

All monies raised were donated directly to the Central Edmonton Community Land Trust and used to finance the renovations. More than 43 stakeholders and community partners contributed to this project, and on July 20th, a young family with four small children moved into the house, making it a home.

Thank you again for covering this story. We believe that Realtors, with their expertise and knowledge, can make a solid contribution to affordable housing issues throughout Canada.

Kate Fowler

Communications Consultant

Alberta Real Estate Association