Cairn: - noun, a human formed pile of stone set up as a landmark, monument or tribute.

The developer of The Cairn was an early adopter of the Housing First strategy and saw a need in Grande Prairie for dignified low income housing. Modelled after many successful programs across Canada, The Cairn on the Boulevard building was made possible through a 2009/2010 Housing for the Homeless grant from the province of Alberta. The Cairn opened its doors in 2014 and has 85 residential units, including a community room with offices, and 7500 ft of commercial space which is rented to counsellors, psychologists, social workers, and wellness organizations. 

The Cairn is home to 140+ people, most of whom are below the Core Needs Income Threshold. In an effort to better address the needs of Cairn residents, the Cairn Housing Society was incorporated to further formalize our programs and access to services. Since our incorporation, we've been able to mitigate evictions by over 50% and connect countless residents to appropriate services. Largely accomplished by residents and volunteers, the Cairn offers a community that encourages teamwork, accountability and individuality, while creating a truly supportive housing environment.