Julie is a community housing tenant who found HOME with Civida (then Capital Region Housing) in December 2015.  Julie was born and raised in Colin Lake Alberta where she lived with her parents and grandparents.

“I had a great childhood!” said Julie. When she was older, she moved to Edmonton for better opportunities in a bigger city. However, upon her arrival she realized she would need assistance with Civida to find a home. The day she found out she would be receiving a home she was thrilled.

“I was actually in the hospital with a broken ankle when Civida called me,” said Julie. I was so excited I didn’t mind leaving early to look at my new place!” Julie says now that she has an affordable home she can focus her energy on returning to school to learn more about computer technology and keep busy with her hobbies such as sewing and attending traditional communal Cree ceremonies in the city.

“I’m very happy and comfortable.  My site manager is helpful, and I have great neighbours!”

Julie, Civida tenant

In 2014, David came to Civida (then Capital Region Housing) in search of a place to call home after going through a difficult time living with his family.

“I suffered from depression because of all the fighting with my stepdad and sister at home,” said David. “I just wanted peace and to be happy.” With the help of the Pandora Society, David was able to get a referral to Civida and the agency also helped him with the paperwork necessary for applying for community housing.

“My life is different now and I’m just grateful to have a roof over my head.”

David explains the moment when he first moved into his home as having a sense of peace and finally feeling safe and excited for his future. “I want to apply myself and go back to school to study music; specifically, songwriting and becoming a lyricist,” said David.  “Now that I have my home, I can focus on having a purpose.”

David, Civida tenant

“Our dream is to buy a home and leave this one for someone else!” Richard, Near Market Housing. “We love Edmonton. Since we came here, the first day and first time, I told my wife, this is our place. Edmonton is the City of Champions and we also want to be champions of everything we can achieve here. The building is safe, I feel safe because we are safe here.”

This is Richard’s Story. Originally from Congo in Central Africa, Richard and his family found their home in Civida’s Near Market Program. Richard described leaving his country as dramatic; the most important thing for him is security for his daughter. That security, he noted, has been provided through the services offered by Civida. His family aspires to own a home and put down permanent roots in Edmonton.

Richard, Civida tenant

“The Stars Awards helped me tremendously. The burden of being able to afford university is a lot, and that was one of the main things on my mind. How would I afford it? I’m so grateful for this opportunity. Now I can focus on my education and work towards my dreams.”

Sajjal, 2022 Stars Awards Recipient

“The Stars Awards gave me a lot of choice when I was thinking about where I wanted to go to post-secondary and which program I wanted to take.”

Alain, 2021 Stars Award Recipient

“My Stars Award scholarship helped me follow my dreams of studying at Wellesley College. I’m thankful for this awards program because it helps take away some of the financial stress for youth attending post-secondary.”

Rong, 2020 Stars Award Recipient