Uncovering Hidden Homelessness in Calgary

What remains hidden cannot be addressed. It is time to address the hidden issue of women's homelessness in Calgary. In this episode of Let's Talk Poverty, Michelle James sits down with Lana Bentley, CEO of the Women's Centre of Calgary and Heather Morley, Executive Director at Inn from the Cold. Hidden homelessness puts women, children, and gender diverse people at risk of illness, violence, and isolation. When their experiences go unrecognized and unsupported, these hardships often repeat across generations, deepening cycles of poverty and trauma. In order to break these cycles, Calgary needs local solutions that build inclusive housing and lasting stability for everyone. Three key takeaways ·      Gender-responsive services that account for women's health, safety, and childcare responsibilities are essential to addressing homelessness ·      Discrimination based on income source, family status, race, Indigenous identity and other factors can create additional barriers to housing. ·      Better data, stronger advocacy and collaboration across sectors are essential to creating more effective solutions to homelessness. **About Unaddressed** Unaddressed represents the first comprehensive, community-based study of its kind in the City of Calgary to examine the lived realities of homelessness and housing insecurity among women and gender-diverse people. Built on the recognition that their experiences are distinct in both their pathways and outcomes, particularly amidst Alberta's rapidly evolving housing policy landscape, the report presents critical opportunities to better reflect and respond to these realities. **About Heather Morley** Heather Morley is the Chief Executive Officer of Inn from the Cold, leading Alberta's only shelter and housing organization dedicated exclusively to serving families experiencing homelessness. Since joining The INN in 2019, Heather has welcomed opportunities and championed change, expanding innovative services and programs for families, and advancing trauma-informed care. With a career spanning more than 30 years across Canada and the United States, Heather has always worked at the intersection of homelessness, housing, abuse, and poverty. She is known for transforming organizations, strengthening community connections, and fostering spaces where collaboration thrives; she believes the most complex challenges require collective solutions. **About Lana Bentley** Lana Bentley is Executive Director of the Women's Centre of Calgary. She has spent her career championing women and girls. A family therapist by training, Lana is also an award-wining instructor at Mount Royal University. A strong believer in investing in your community and celebrating diversity, Lana sits on several boards including Youth Central Calgary, the Alberta College of Opticians, and the Black Heritage Committee at Heritage Park. When she's not working or volunteering, you can find Lana on the ski hill, cheering on the Toronto Raptors, or adding to her ever growing sneaker collection. Subscribe to Let's Talk Poverty on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Have an idea for us to explore or a question for us? Send us a message!