CUPS offers a variety of integrated and collaborative programs that complement and supplement one another. Each program focuses on the holistic well-being of clients in multiple areas of their lives. Three key focuses of CUPS programs are Health, Family and Child Development, and Housing and Economic Supports; each area is interrelated in CUPS programming and in the lives of clients.

According to the World Health Organization, “poverty is the single largest determinant of health.”[1] Research has demonstrated that individuals with lower socio-economic status are twice as likely to experience serious illness or to pass away prematurely when compared to those of higher socio-economic status.”[2] For individuals experiencing homelessness, health concerns are exacerbated by their living conditions such as “extreme weather conditions, unhygienic living areas, and danger of assault.”[3] Rates of physical ailments and chronic illnesses are higher amongst those experiencing homelessness, as well as more frequent hospitalizations and emergency room visits than those not experiencing homelessness.[4] On an average night in Calgary, Alberta in 2021, 1,935 individuals were experiencing homelessness.[5] Of these individuals 12% were staying in an Alberta health care facility.[6]

In order to reduce barriers, improve access to health care for marginalized populations, and meet the unique needs of all individuals accessing health care at CUPS, CUPS provides multi-disciplinary primary care supports that include women’s health services (including prenatal and postnatal care), integrated addiction supports, preventative health screening and treatment, and access to mental health supports.

In 2020, 9.2% of individuals were classified as living in low-income in Alberta.[7] Similarly, the federal census identified that 11% of individuals in Calgary were living in low-income households in 2016.[8] Over the past year, the cost of living in Alberta has risen by 7% (compared to 2021).[9] In 2022, the living wage in Calgary was $22.40 per hour[10], which is 49% higher than Alberta’s minimum wage. In the 2022 point-in-time homeless count, individuals experiencing homelessness in Calgary commonly identified that they had lost their housing because of insufficient income, spouse/partner conflict, landlord/tenant conflict, and substance use.[11]

Recognizing that housing is a multi-faceted issue related to employment, health, and social well-being, CUPS offers housing and economic programs and services to help individuals address financial crises and stressors and improve their housing stability (e.g., access to rental assistance, intensive housing case management). Housing stability contributes to improved health, employment opportunities, and educational success in children. [12]

According to Statistics Canada (2021), children between the ageds of 0-14 make up 18% of Calgary’s population, and 10.7% of those children live in low-income households. [13] Further, 9% of Calgary’s unhoused population is made up of children aged 0-12.[14] Research has shown that children’s abilities to learn are significantly impacted by the stress associated with living in poverty [15] as poverty has been found to increase stress levels in children as well as caregivers.[16] Childhood literacy is one of the major predictors of poverty for adults, with research suggesting that over 75% of children who have reading difficulties in third grade will continue to struggle throughout their school life.[17]

By providing quality early childhood education and childcare to families, the additional stresses experienced by families living in poverty can be significantly reduced. CUPS provides high-quality education, healthy meals, transportation, and additional wraparound care (such as physiotherapists and speech therapists) to children and families, preparing them for success throughout their lives.

Research has also demonstrated that “one of the most important factors that can buffer against the adverse effects of poverty is positive parenting.”[19] CUPS provides group programming and one-on-one coaching that focus on children’s brain development, feelings, and positive ways of dealing with stress within families.