Calgarians struggling to afford housing, food: report

The Calgary Foundation has unveiled its 17th annual Quality of Life report, focusing on numerous issues that Calgarians are dealing with.

The Calgary Foundation has unveiled its 17th annual Quality of Life report, focusing on numerous issues that Calgarians are dealing with.

The report included responses from 1,000 city residents of all ages, backgrounds, and neighbourhoods.

“Some of the big challenges are around affordability. So, 25 per cent of Calgarians have told us that they’re struggling to make ends meet, to afford basic needs like housing, like food. There are some real challenges and concerns around safety, around inclusion,” said Taylor Barrie with the foundation.

When it comes to housing, the survey found that 40 per cent of people can’t afford to buy to a home.

The same amount are stressed about their finances and 36 per cent are struggling to afford rent. Both are increases from the last two years.

Many parents also reported skipping meals to ensure their kids can eat. Calgarians’ feelings about safety have gotten worse — with 80 percent saying they are concerned about it, a jump of nearly 20 per cent compared to just two years ago.

The report showed that 25 per cent of Calgarians can’t afford basic needs, and 36 per cent of parents claim to be skipping meals to ensure their kids can eat.