NHA likes to tell stories of our residents' success! However a huge part of our model is respecting the anonymity of all of our residents. In this series, we'll keep telling those stories but we will at times change names and remove details that could point to a particular individual (dependent on each person's preferences and comfort).

In this instance, explicit consent was received to share names and photos :)

We hope you'll find these stories demonstrate our commitment to serving individuals and families with dignity - wherever they're at.

Tell us a bit about yourself!

My name is Alice, I was born in the Netherlands and moved to Canada when I was about 4. I've lived all over Alberta but Calgary is definitely starting to feel like home for me so I'm hoping to stay a while. I've worked a variety of different jobs ranging from snowboard instructing, farming, construction, waitressing, bartending and so much more.

My dog's name is Knox, and he's truly my best friend. My future plans are pretty simple right now, I'm taking it one day at a time, doing my best to stop and smell the flowers, make sure my morning cup of coffee is just right and my dog gets more love than he knows how to handle.

How did you find out about Norfolk Housing Association (NHA) and why did you choose to live here?

I came about Norfolk last year. I had an awesome little bachelor's suite but my landlord made the decision to renovate and then increase rent to something out of my price range so it was time for me to go. So I spent last summer looking and applying for anything semi affordable and had little to no luck.

I finally moved into a place that I couldn't exactly afford because time was running out and I didn't really have another option but that's when Jon (from NHA) called me and sort of saved me. I managed to get out of the lease I had just signed and came to Norfolk, the best decision I made last year.

Has living in a diverse, inclusive community had an impact on your life and if so, would you describe it?

Yes it's had an impact, a big one simply because it's so much easier to shine and be myself when everyone else is truly themselves as well. My neighborhood is safe and friendly which puts me at ease big time.

What’s one thing you wish people understood about housing, whether affordable/community housing or just more generally?

I wish people understood how important housing is for a person to be whole, stability is like a foundational block you need before you can really start thriving and moving forward in any part of life.

What’s your favourite thing to do, see, or visit in the neighbourhood?

I have so many favorite things to do and see around my neighborhood but I'd say one of my top favorites is princes Island park, I love going for long bikerides with Knox and at the very end after our dog park visit we cruise around there to see all the flowers, geese and ducks and basically just soak up all the beauty in nature.

What’s your superpower?

My superpower has got to be my ability to squeeze an incredible amount of joy out of so many of life's simple pleasures.

Community Stories: Meet Alice (& Knox)