Building strong communities to change local lives
A community is only as strong as the sum of its parts, and strong, supportive, and inclusive communities are vital to a thriving city. But in too many neighbourhoods across Calgary and the surrounding area, local residents are dealing with complex issues that prevent them from building a good life. For people living on a low income, or those facing critical social issues like domestic violence, social exclusion, mental health challenges, and intergenerational trauma, opportunities to build a good life aren’t equally available. And we want to change that.
Because poverty is clustered in certain neighbourhoods in Calgary, United Way is building a foundation for strong communities by investing in services and supports that strengthen and connect all residents. To address these complex issues, United Way and local agency partners invest in vital, community-based resources that help change lives. Together, we’re creating strong neighbourhoods where everyone has a sense of belonging.
What’s being done
Community Hubs
A city-wide initiative that provides access to vital supports and services, and turns strangers into friends.
211 Calgary
211 is a 24/7 helpline available in over 150 languages that connects people with community-based health and social supports.
Healthy Aging Alberta
Learn how this rich network is helping to make Alberta one of the best places in the world to grow older!
Area Community Partnerships
Partnerships between United Way and the towns of Chestermere, Cochrane, High River, Okotoks, and Strathmore.
Natoo’si Indigenous Healing & Well-Being Initiative
Addressing intergenerational trauma as a root cause of the challenges many Indigenous people face.
See how the support of a community can change lives
The Sunalta Community Garden
Something special is happening in Sunalta, a vibrant and diverse inner city community, but also a community that exists as a food desert, with residents in the area needing to travel a significant distance to get to an affordable grocery store.
Carolina
Carolina and her family left everything behind in Venezuela to start a new life in Canada, choosing Calgary because of its educational opportunities for her daughter.
Vincenzo
Vincenzo’s family struggled under the weight of intergenerational trauma – but a community of care was there.
Learn more about the #UNIGNORABLE issues we’re tackling in our community
Social Isolation
Domestic Violence
Intergenerational Trauma
Mental Health
Take action for your community
Invest in your community to see change at a local level. Your gift gives people a hand up when they need it most.
Give your time in a rewarding, hands-on way to make a meaningful impact in your local community.