Are there any special organizations to support immigrants during crises?

Calgary, as one of Canada's fastest-growing cities, has long been home to numerous immigrants from around the world. However, crises—whether economic, social, or even pandemic—can create unique challenges for newcomers who do not yet have established support networks. Fortunately, Calgary has a number of specialized organizations and non-governmental groups that offer comprehensive assistance to immigrants during the most difficult periods of their lives. These organizations provide not only basic needs—housing, food, and clothing—but also assistance with integration, legal issues, psychological support, and the development of skills necessary for survival and economic recovery.

Calgary Catholic Immigration Society (CCIS)

One of the leading organizations is the Calgary Catholic Immigration Society (CCIS). Founded in 1976, it provides comprehensive services for immigrants and refugees, from airport pick-up to employment and long-term integration. In times of crisis, CCIS mobilizes its resources to provide rapid assistance: special hotlines, emergency support with temporary housing, and financial subsidies to cover basic needs.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, CCIS organized food delivery programs for those who could not leave their homes, held virtual computer literacy training sessions, and provided psychological support through online counseling. Crises such as natural disasters or economic downturns prompt CCIS to roll out rapid response initiatives: for example, emergency assistance funds can cover rent and utility costs, helping families avoid homelessness.

Immigrant Services Calgary (ISC)

Immigrant Services Calgary (ISC) is another key player in the field of immigrant support. The organization is known for its Settlement Assistance program, which includes a series of training sessions on adapting to Canadian society, language courses, and orientation to local culture. In times of crisis, ISC quickly prepares crisis kits: food vouchers, basic hygiene kits, and temporary financial grants.

During the economic crisis of 2020–2021, ISC implemented a special Rapid Response Fund, to which the business community and charitable foundations donated. This fund allowed IMM to provide one-time payments to those who lost their jobs and did not have access to standard social protection programs. In addition, ISC conducts employment webinars to help immigrants find work in a changing labor market.

Multicultural Health Brokers Cooperative (MCHB)

Multicultural Health Brokers Cooperative (MCHB) specializes in comprehensive health and social welfare support for immigrants and refugees in Calgary and the surrounding area. In times of crisis, MCHB coordinates access to emergency medical care, translation services, and outreach campaigns about available support services.

During the pandemic, MCHB organized mobile clinics to vaccinate people in remote areas where large communities of newcomers live and to provide information support in their native languages. In addition, in cases of psychological crisis, MCHB refers clients to specialists in culturally sensitive therapy that takes into account the unique traumas of refugees and immigrants.

Calgary Immigrant Women's Association (CIWA)

Supporting immigrant women is an important element of social stability, and the Calgary Immigrant Women's Association (CIWA) plays a leading role in this area. CIWA implements employment, language integration, and family counseling programs, and in times of crisis, the organization has stood up for women who have suffered domestic violence or economic oppression.

After the COVID-19 outbreak, CIWA resumed its crisis support by setting up hotlines for women in difficult situations. In addition, CIWA partnered with local foundations to create the Emergency Women's Fund, which provided low-income families with financial grants to purchase food and medicine.

Calgary Catholic Immigration Society (Refugee Sponsorship)

Special support for refugees is often provided through private sponsorship. Calgary Catholic Immigration Society also coordinates private refugee sponsorship programs, where groups of volunteers or religious communities commit to funding and supporting families for the first one to two years.

In the context of a crisis influx of refugees, this model has proven effective: communities quickly organized the reception of families, provided housing and food, and helped with opening bank accounts and enrolling children in school. Such local support significantly reduces the burden on public services and promotes faster integration.

Mutual aid networks and volunteer groups

In addition to official organizations, Calgary has many informal mutual aid networks created by immigrants and volunteers themselves. Social media groups such as Calgary Ukrainian Community and Newcomers Calgary quickly organize clothing, food, and fund drives for those in urgent need of assistance. For example, during sudden cold snaps or increases in housing prices, volunteers organize flash mobs to help people find free temporary housing or accommodation with relatives. They also coordinate free English language and professional development courses to support those who have lost their jobs.

Conclusion

Calgary has an impressive array of organizations that support immigrants during various crises. From large, well-funded agencies such as CCIS and ISC to highly specialized health cooperatives and women's associations, they all work together to create a safety net for the most vulnerable. Informal volunteer groups and private sponsorships complement this system, providing a level of flexibility and responsiveness that is sometimes impossible to achieve through government channels alone. Together, these organizations help immigrants in Calgary not only survive a crisis, but also become full members of the community, contributing to the social stability and cultural enrichment of the city.