Helping local people overcome poverty

1 in 10 Calgarians live in poverty.

1 in 5 Calgarians worry about not having enough money for food.

When people are financially stable, they aren’t worried about their next meal, how they’re going to pay their rent, or whether they’ll be able to afford a coat for their kids. But for those living on a low income, these worries follow them around on a daily basis. For people living in poverty, opportunities to build a good life—including access to meaningful social networks, good jobs, and affordable housing—aren’t equally available. Poverty touches almost every aspect of people’s lives—from food, shelter, and employment to mental and physical well-being.

This is why United Way works with partner agencies to ensure people have access to food, shelter, employment opportunities, and a chance to stabilize their income—affording them opportunities to build a good life.

The #unignorable issues

Basic Needs: Everyone needs food, shelter, and clothing. United Way ensures these immediate needs are met while also addressing the root causes of poverty.

Financial Empowerment: Financial instability can impact someone’s entire life. United Way helps people in our local community access resources and build skills to manage their finances and save for the future.

Employment: A job can change everything. Employment is one of the most effective and permanent ways to lift people out of poverty. United Way helps people build job skills so they can secure meaningful employment, helping them move out of poverty.