Enriching by welcoming
In 2015, a few neighbours began meeting for coffee around the topics of inclusivity, diversity and people living difficult circumstances. Since then, At Home in Highlands has evolved into a formal program of the Community League that intentionally cares for its neighbours and helps to welcome people of all walks of life into the neighbourhood. As a community, we believe that all people are intrinsically valuable with gifts, skills and experience to offer.
Vision
A neighbourhood that:
- values inclusivity, diversity and hospitality
- becomes more inclusive, diverse and hospitable by welcoming all, including those overcoming and emerging out of challenging life circumstances
- in turn, thrives, grows stronger, more resilient, more connected and more self-sufficient
At Home in Highlands (AHiH) is grounded in the shared belief that social connection and belonging are vital to both individual health and community wellbeing. Importantly, AHiH recognizes that neighbours have diverse and complex backgrounds and experiences, and it is necessary to include all in the life of the neighbourhood. The coming together of people with diverse lived experiences and the sharing of story over time can bring about positive outcomes for both individuals and community.
What we do
Highlands is fortunate to be home to Recovery Acres, a 34-bed residential recovery centre. Sustained recovery from addiction and/or homelessness often relies on stable housing and connectedness with neighbours and the community at large. At Home in Highlands works to provide both. In partnership with Recovery Acres, At Home in Highlands welcomes men and women wishing to make Highlands their permanent home following a significant period in recovery, valuing them as neighbours and offering support to both them and their landlords.
As barriers to welcoming are encountered, At Home in Highlands explores creative solutions. Efforts to identify new rental housing options and diversify the housing stock help to expand the affordability of living in Highlands. Animating the resourcefulness and social capacities of the neighbourhood can bring about social solutions within the neighbourhood and aid in bridging the social or economic gaps that often force people into the margins.
If you are (or know of) a Highlands landlord who might be interested in renting housing to individuals we welcome and support, please contact us at [email protected]. If you are interested in knowing more about At Home in Highlands or becoming involved, please contact us at the same email address.
For additional background information, see this overview document [PDF].
CSWB grant project
In 2022, At Home in Highlands was awarded a Community Safety and Well-being grant from the City of Edmonton. This grant project focused mainly on research to document AHiH’s history, describe its vision, work and activities, and illuminate the benefits to neighbours and community. The project concluded in June, 2025 and is documented in the At Home in Highlands Theory of Change paper [pdf].
At Home in Highlands thanks the City of Edmonton for funding this project.
Acknowledgements
At Home in Highlands thanks the Highlands Community League Board members, both present and past, for their support.
At Home in Highlands also thanks Connected Highlands, a group of dedicated neighbours committed to connecting neighbours like us, on our blocks, and throughout the neighbourhood around our common interests. Without Connected Highlands (formerly Abundant Community Edmonton), we would not have met one another, and we would not have had the capacity and confidence to organize the neighbourhood’s care in a way that welcomes those who need a home like Highlands.
Contact
To contact At Home in Highlands, please send email to [email protected]
