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Community LAMDA Society
Who We Are
Founded in 1987 by psychiatrist Dr. Mary Dumka, Community LAMDA Society is a registered charity that has provided residential accommodation and support services for adults with severe and persistent mental illness. On January 1, 2025, LAMDA proudly became part of the Canadian Mental Health Association, Calgary Region (CMHA Calgary). This strategic merger ensures that LAMDA’s legacy continues to thrive while expanding the availability of supportive housing and mental health resources in Calgary.
Together with CMHA Calgary, we are working to address the growing need for comprehensive mental health care and housing support in our community. Our shared vision remains to provide stability and wellness for adults experiencing chronic mental illness, particularly schizophrenia.
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 strengthen their natural support networks, including family and friends.
Operational Structure
Community LAMDA Society’s residential buildings are provided by Calgary Housing Company, which is responsible for building operations and rent. Following the acquisition, CMHA Calgary will oversee all supportive services and integrate LAMDA’s existing programs into its broader continuum of care. LAMDA’s tenants will experience a seamless transition with a 24-month continuity plan to ensure stability and support.
What We Do
Now under CMHA Calgary, LAMDA continues to provide staff-supported, affordable, apartment-style homes for adults in Calgary who experience chronic mental illness.
Housing Overview:
- The Mission site has 30 single-occupancy apartments.
- The Killarney site has 16 two-bedroom apartments.
- In total, we serve 62 people.
Support Services: Tenants receive assistance from Independent Living Support (ILS) workers who help sustain community support, ensure housing is well organized and safe, and safeguard tenants’ independence. These professionals work Monday to Friday, 9 am – 5 pm, with occasional evenings for activities.
Support Includes:
- Acting as a liaison with tenants’ individual mental health service providers.
- Offering social, leisure, educational, health promotion, and skill development activities.
- Facilitating routine skill-building, including personal hygiene, meal planning, grocery shopping, household maintenance, money management, and transportation.
- Promoting and facilitating tenant involvement in leisure and community activities.
- Collaborating with tenants’ families, case managers, and support teams from Alberta Health Services.
- Assisting with AISH and rent review forms and maintaining contact with AISH workers for financial concerns.
- Supporting tenant participation in organizations such as Schizophrenia Society, Potential Place, Calgary Association of Self Help, and CMHA Calgary programs.
How We Differ
People with mental illness are among the most vulnerable in our community and often need support to exercise their basic right to a safe home. Unlike temporary residential treatment facilities, LAMDA provides safe, permanent homes, allowing tenants to maintain their independence and stability. By integrating LAMDA’s exceptional supportive housing model with CMHA Calgary’s resources, we are strengthening our commitment to building a community where everyone has access to the housing and support they need to thrive.
The Future with CMHA Calgary
Through this merger, CMHA Calgary has expanded its supportive housing portfolio to include LAMDA’s two buildings, ensuring the continuation of high-quality care for current tenants while increasing access to safe and affordable housing. This collaboration creates a more robust network of care that addresses gaps in mental health services for underserved populations in Calgary.
Together, CMHA Calgary and LAMDA are building a stronger, more inclusive Calgary where no one is left behind.