Agency: Calgary Alpha House Society
Please note: Names and identifying information have been changed to protect anonymity.
1. Some of the many success stories we consider come from participants who are either new to the country or who are fleeing domestic/Family violence. We were sent a referral recently. Participant was new to the country and was staying at a long-term transitional housing program with two daughters. The Diversion program was able to help with house searches and was advocating to different landlords. After we found a unit, the Diversion program was able to provide a damage deposit and first month’s rent. We were also able to connect this participant to other agencies (Newcomers Centre) that assisted and helped with securing a new and stable job. This participant told us that they are now working and will be able to sustain housing moving forward.
2. Received a referral for a senior who was able to have a stable housing for over 4 years. This participant lost their rent money one day after withdrawing it from the bank while on their way to give it to the landlord. The landlord gave the participant an eviction notice but knew about Alpha House and called the main line to see if we had a program that could help. He was given the Diversion phone number and the participant contacted us the next day. We then met and completed an intake, shortly after we provided the participants’ rent arrear to the landlord. This participant was able remain housed after that and was very appreciative. Program participant stated that they wanted to donate to Alpha House in the future and also wanted to volunteer.
