This year, with financial and mentorship support from the Pathy Foundation Fellowship, I am launching the Care Village Fellowship, a youth leadership initiative that brings together 5–7 young Calgarians to explore community-building, learn alongside people with lived experience of poverty and homelessness, and collaboratively plan and deliver the 2027 Calgary Care Village.
The fellowship runs from January to August 2027 and includes community engagement, experiential learning, mentorship, workshops, and opportunities to take on leadership roles. Selected fellows will receive a $500 stipend, and no previous experience working in the homelessness sector is required!
This fellowship is open to students from ALL academic backgrounds, and we're hoping to bring together young people with diverse interests, experiences, and perspectives. I would particularly love to see students from creative disciplines involved, as art, design, and creative expression can play an important role in bringing people together, challenging assumptions, and creating spaces for meaningful connections.
We also want to make sure this opportunity reaches students who may not have previously participated in formal leadership or community initiatives but have a genuine interest in learning, connecting with others, and contributing to their communities.
I've attached the recruitment poster, and below is a ready-to-copy announcement that can be shared directly:
Applications Open: Care Village Fellowship 2027!
How can we bring Calgary's housed and unhoused communities closer together? And what role can young people play in making that happen?
The Care Village Fellowship is looking for 5–7 young people (ages 18–30) who want to explore these questions and help build a Calgary where people from different walks of life can connect, learn from one another, and build meaningful relationships.
From January to August 2027, fellows will learn directly from community members and local organizations through workshops, community visits, mentorship, and hands-on experiences. They'll then work together to plan and deliver the 2027 Calgary Care Village, a one-day festival that brings together housed and unhoused Calgarians through community services, arts, entertainment, and shared experiences.
What to expect:
A $500 stipend for each fellow
Community visits, workshops, and experiential learning opportunities
Mentorship from community leaders and organizations
A chance to shape and lead the 2027 Calgary Care Village alongside other young people
You don't need to have experience working in the homelessness sector. We're looking for people who are curious, willing to learn, and interested in building relationships across differences. Students from all programs and academic backgrounds are welcome!
Application deadline: November 30, 2026, at 11:59 PM MT
Location: Calgary, Alberta
Website to Learn More: https://carevillages.ca
Apply here: https://app.youform.com/forms/krcpsrk6