Ensuring access to basic needs

We are addressing the barriers that prevent people from meeting their basic needs in Central Alberta.

  • 10.7%

    of Central Alberta’s population is living with low or limited income and are unable to meet their basic needs.

  • 5,900

    families or individuals are living in poverty in Central Alberta.

  • 38,860

    Central Albertans were not able to meet their basic needs.

One person in poverty is too many.

We help people meet their basic needs, build pathways out of poverty and build assets through our investments in housing, employment and financial literacy programs.

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Grants

We offer numerous granting opportunities year-round.

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Poverty Simulations

We have facilitated more than a dozen poverty simulation events Central Alberta. Call us if you’d like to arrange one for your group!

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Central Alberta Poverty Reduction Alliance

We are a partner in the Central Alberta Poverty Reduction Alliance. CAPRA is working to reduce the number of barriers that exist for persons living in poverty to ensure that Central Alberta is A Vibrant Community Where Everyone Thrives.

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Build Community Awareness

We have promoted the challenges faced by community members living with low or limited income through our newsletter and social media.

Outcomes with a real impact

6

Programs Supported

819

Clients were helped to navigate the many systems that could help them meet their basic needs.

125

Individuals and families who faced financial challenges were provided with emergency funding to avoid utility disconnection.

9,421

Individuals’ lives were improved.

21,914

Products were provided to 12 agencies to help fight period poverty.

Lights On Emergency Fund

The United Way of Central Alberta is pleased to announce that ENMAX has committed to providing $50,000 in 2023 for the Lights On Fund. The program will provide families and individuals who are facing financial challenges with emergency funding to avoid utility disconnection.

partnering with

Red Deer Native Friendship Society

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Canadian Mental Health Association

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The Lights On Fund can be accessed by contacting the United Way agency partners listed above.

Sponsored By

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Our Collaborations

Red Deer Local Immigration Partnership logo

Red Deer Local Immigration Partnership

Improving the integration of immigrants, helping the community better address the needs of newcomers.

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United Way’s Period Promise

A local response to a global issue. We can reduce the isolation created by period poverty, in our own neighbourhoods.

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Central Alberta Poverty Reduction Alliance

A collaborative group working to find local solutions to make a real difference on poverty.

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GENNEXT

Encouraging people in their 20s and 30s to influence positive change through meaningful volunteering and networking.

AltaGas

Developing sustainable partnerships within different communities to co-create solutions that align with each community’s unique needs and engage local businesses and organizations to drive lasting change.

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211

An information referral service which connects people to local health and social services 24 hours a day, 365 days a year in over 200 languages.

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Tools for School

Reducing barriers preventing children and youth from successful learning and participation in school.

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Enmax Lights-On Fund

Providing families and individuals who are facing financial challenges with emergency funds to avoid utility disconnection.