The Citadel Theatre is pleased to host a one-day forum entitled “Won’t You Be My Neighbour? Homelessness and Affordable Housing in Edmonton” to be held in the Shoctor lobby on Saturday, January 18th, from 10 AM to 3 PM.

We have room for 160 people and while admission is free, you do have to pre-register so we can save you a seat. Just call Citadel Reception at 780.426.4811 or e-mail kdavis@citadeltheatre.com. Bring your own lunch or have lunch at one of a number of restaurants in the immediate area. We will take a lunch break from 12:00 – 12:30 PM.

The City of Edmonton has set a 10-year goal for ending homelessness in our city. But while homelessness is the most extreme sign of hardship, many Edmontonians struggle to afford to pay the rent: senior citizens on fixed incomes, single mothers trying to raise children alone, young people and new immigrants who may have only been able to find low-paying jobs. Low-income housing, also called non-market housing, is essential if we are to ensure that all our citizens at least have a roof over their heads. But building low-income housing also brings other challenges, such as the impact of such housing on the surrounding neighbourhood. Some neighbourhoods in Edmonton have been the recipients of so much low-income housing that they are now classified as “distressed” communities with the city imposing a “soft” ban on further low-income developments in those areas. Other communities now are being called on to take on these needed projects but not everyone is keen to see low-income housing in their back yards.

At the Citadel Forum on January 18th, a diverse and authoritative collection of organizations and individuals will gather to discuss these issues. And you, as a member of the public with a vested interest, are welcome to participate. For detailed information on the forum, go to the Program Guide.

Won’t You Be My Neighbour? is sponsored by Boardwalk Rental Communities, City of Edmonton Department of Sustainable Development, Edmonton Homeless Commission, Homeward Trust Edmonton and the Citadel’s production of Clybourne Park.