We support individuals facing homelessness in Calgary with an emphasis on the South Sudanese population. There has been an increase in homelessness within Calgary’s South Sudanese community. According to research on homelessness in Calgary, adverse childhood experiences are a major cause of homelessness, addiction, and mental illness.

Standard community support and services are insufficient to meet these individuals’ needs. NILECAPD takes a holistic approach to meeting the needs of this population by offering community connection and professional counseling to people who are homeless.

We host large bimonthly “family dinners” with homecooked South Sudanese food, familiar music, and friendly faces to help encourage people to rejoin the community and seek social services. This warm environment features access to sign up for trauma informed therapy and follow-up social services from our staff. Our staff reconnects with individuals daily and supports their goals for reunification with family and efforts to find housing.   

We use pop-up stations to provide necessities such as soap, toothpaste, toothbrushes, clothing, and toiletries to enhance the dignity of our community. These interactions are another touch point for our staff in Calgary to assess client needs and support them in their goals. Our focus is to address the long-term needs of homeless individuals and help them transition into stable housing.