Who We Are

Founded in 1987 by psychiatrist, Dr. Mary Dumka, Community LAMDA Society is a registered charity overseen by volunteer operational Board of Directors. LAMDA provides residential accommodation and support services for adults with severe and persistent mental illness. Our contribution to the Calgary community is steady and reliable, and we are determined to explore its untapped potential for growth.

As we look into the future LAMDA’s priority is to maintain our effective practices. LAMDA’s supportive housing model is remarkably successful, and we are committed to sustaining our uniqueness and autonomy.

Our Mission

To provide staff-supported, affordable, apartment-style homes as a foundation for stability and wellness for adults in Calgary who experience chronic mental illness, particularly schizophrenia.

Our Vision

To increase the level of independence and self esteem of people living with mental illness by providing services that will strengthen their natural support network, including family and friends.

First Nations Statement

Community LAMDA is located and operates on the traditional territories of the peoples of the Treaty 7 region in Southern Alberta, which includes the Niitsitapi (Blackfoot) First Nation tribes of the Siksika, the Piikani, the Kainai, the Stoney Nakoda First Nations tribes of Chiniki, Bearspaw, and Wesley and the Tsuut’ina First Nation. The city of Calgary is also homeland to the historic Northwest Métis and to Métis Nation of Alberta, Region 3.

a building with a balcony and a balcony with a balcony
a building with a balcony and a balcony with a balcony

Community LAMDA Society

Operational Structure

LAMDA buildings are provided by Calgary Housing Company who is responsible for building operations and rent. Our services are partially funded by Alberta Health Services.

What we do

Community LAMDA provides staff-supported, affordable, apartment-style homes for adults in Calgary who experience chronic mental illness. The Mission site has 30 single-occupancy apartments and the Killarney site has 16 two-bedroom apartments. Overall, LAMDA serves a total of 62 people.

Tenants receive support from two staff members who are Independent Living Support workers (ILS workers). The support workers are experienced professionals whose role is to help sustain community support for the tenants, make sure their housing is well organized and safe, and ensure that the tenants’ independence is safeguarded and enhanced.

The ILS workers at both locations work Monday - Friday, 9 am - 5 pm, with occasional evenings for activities.

The ILS worker supports the tenants by:

  • Acting as liaison for tenants’ individual mental health service providers

  • Offering social, leisure, educational, health promotion and skill development activities

  • Facilitating various activities to help tenants develop and maintain routine skills such as personal hygiene, meal planning, grocery shopping, household maintenance, money management and transportation

  • Promoting and facilitating tenant involvement in leisure and community activities. Tenants’ general meetings are held monthly to discuss and suggest activities of interest

  • Working with tenants families, case managers and support teams from Alberta health services mental health clinics, the programs and hospitals

  • Assisting tenants’ with completion of AISH and rent review forms

  • Maintaining contact with AISH workers regarding tenants’ financial concerns and AISH review forms

  • Supporting tenants involvement at Schizophrenia Society, Potential Place, Calgary Association of Self Help and Canadian Mental Health Association

  • Providing tours of the facilities and presentations of the LAMDA services

How we differ

According to the Calgary Homeless Foundation, nearly 3,000 people in Calgary identify as homeless in January 2018. People with mental illness are among the most vulnerable and often need support to exercise their basic right to have a safe home.

One of the reasons for LAMDA’s exceptional success (as evidenced by low hospital readmission rates and stable tenancy) is the provision of safe and permanent homes rather than a temporary residential treatment facility. We see the role of a person in supportive housing as a tenant, and not a client; the tenant “carries the keys” and is in control of decisions about his or her own lifestyle

Make a one-time individual personal donation to Community LAMDA Society. Corporate Donations Donate on behalf of your corporation and show your organizational commitment to mental health.

Your generosity makes a difference in our tenant's lives. By donating today, you're only providing food and shelter, but also crucial health, wellness support. Along with this, you will be supporting events, activities, field-trips and Christmas & BBQ dinners for our tenant.

Moreover, for those considering in-kind or larger gift contributions, we've streamlined the process for your convenience. Click here to explore these impactful ways to support our initiatives and make a meaningful difference in our community. To ensure your donation is accurately reflect for tax purpose or if you have any questions about your donation email admin@mylamda.com.

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Stay Connected with Community LAMDA Society

Mailing Address:

100, 316 – 20th Ave SW

Calgary, AB T2S 0E5

Phone: (403) 228-2625