A mother and son reaching into the fridge.
2021

Improving Local Lives

Socio-Economic Well-Being

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When people are financially stable, they aren’t worried about their next meal, how they’re going to pay for housing, or whether they’ll be able to afford a warm coat for the winter.

United Way believes everyone’s well-being is enhanced by diverse and equitable social and economic opportunities. Investments made in 2021 enhanced education, employment, and income opportunities for individuals and families in Calgary.

Our Impact and Important Stats

    88,614People reached through the delivery of relevant services.
    45Agencies focused on socio-economic 
well-being in 2021.
    72%Average of people accessing social and economic opportunities through these agencies experienced enhanced well-being.
    83%Of students taking part in YMCA Calgary's Tutoring Table, an AIFY program that offers after-school math tutoring, reported being satisfied with their improvement.
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1 in 5

Students do not complete high school on time.

33%

Of Calgarians sometimes struggle to afford basics like rent, utilities, and groceries, and 17 per cent often or always struggle. This tells us that half of Calgarians have difficulty meeting their basic needs.

9.2%

In June 2021, Calgary’s unemployment rate was 9.2 per cent – one of the highest rates in the country – while the national unemployment rate was 8.0 per cent.

1 in 5

Students do not complete high school on time.

33%

Of Calgarians sometimes struggle to afford basics like rent, utilities, and groceries, and 17 per cent often or always struggle. This tells us that half of Calgarians have difficulty meeting their basic needs.

Our Work

3 girls sitting at a computer, on looking forward with a graphic illustration of a mortarboard hat overlayed on her head.

All In For Youth

Launched by United Way in 2012, All In for Youth (AIFY) was United Way of Calgary and Area’s first Signature Initiative.

Worker with mask looks at camera

Rocio's Story

Rocio, a participant in Momentum’s Money Management program, was able to buy a home through the Owen Hart Home Owners Program, and has gained the skills needed to manage her finances and build a steady life for herself and her family.

A family holding a key to a new home.

Aspire Calgary

Over 30 organizations across Calgary work together as members of Aspire Calgary, a multi-sector collaborative, pursuing their vision of “improv[ing] the financial well-being of Calgarians living on low income by building the capacity of our partners to implement financial empowerment strategies and interventions.”

Calgary's downtown at sunrise

Enough for All: A Community-Driven Strategy

A poverty reduction strategy, Enough for All (E4A) goal is “to ensure that Calgary is a strong, supportive and inclusive community, where everyone has sufficient income and assets to thrive, and where all Indigenous people are equal participants in Calgary’s future.

Group of diverse people standing together with arms over each others shoulders.
2021

Improving Local Lives

Social Inclusion

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2021

Improving Local Lives