Finding Home at Iris Place

In a world where safety and acceptance can feel like rare commodities, Iris Place offers hope for 2SLGBTQIA+ youth facing homelessness and housing insecurity in Calgary. As part of Trellis’ Aura program, Iris Place is more than just a living space; it's a sanctuary where young individuals can thrive, grow, and reclaim their sense of belonging.

The statistics surrounding homelessness among queer youth are staggering. Faced with higher rates of violence and discrimination, many find themselves without a place to call home, navigating a world that often fails to recognize their unique struggles. As one of the first queer housing programs in Canada, Aura provides a lifeline to 2SLGBTQIA+ youth, extending this to Iris Place and offering a safe refuge where their identities are celebrated. From the moment they walk through the doors, youth are welcomed with warmth, understanding, and a genuine commitment to their well-being.

The home's focus extends beyond four walls and a roof. Iris Place is about fostering long-term independence and self-sufficiency. From life skills workshops to community-building activities, every home is designed to empower residents and help them reach their full potential. Whether they arrive with a clear vision for the future or if they are uncertain about their road that lies ahead, everyone is met with compassion, respect, and unwavering support.

The Trellis team strives to empower residents, helping them set and achieve their goals, whether it's finding stable housing, securing employment, or accessing vital resources. Through one-on-one support and tailored programming, they equip youth with the skills and confidence needed to navigate the complexities of adulthood. Understanding the challenges firsthand, the team goes beyond providing housing by offering guidance, mentorship, and a sense of camaraderie that is invaluable on their journey to independence.

One youth, Jane*, embarked on an inspiring journey of growth since her first connection with Trellis through the Aura program and move to Iris Place. Navigating homelessness while facing mental health challenges, Jane has shown the power of believing in yourself and what happens when there are people in your life who care about you. Over the past year, she has taken on new challenges while also being a great support to her housemates at Iris.

Now, Jane is ready to move out and take the next step on her journey to independence. Over her time at Iris, Jane has grown her life skills, increased access to important resources, and built the

connections needed to succeed in her own housing. The Aura team is excited to watch Jane continue to flourish and her time at Iris demonstrates the transformative impact when someone has the support to embrace their authentic self, free from judgment and empowered to thrive.

As Iris Place continues to make a difference in the lives of 2SLGBTQIA+ youth, its impact reverberates throughout the community. By raising awareness and advocating for queer-friendly spaces, Trellis strives to create a world where every individual feels safe, supported, and celebrated for who they are. Together, we can build a future where homelessness among queer youth is a thing of the past—a future where every young person has a place to call home.

• 1 out of every 3 young people experiencing homelessness in Canada identifies as 2SLGBTQIAP+

•   19% of youth who come to Avenue 15 (Trellis’ Youth Emergency Shelter) identify as 2SLGBTQIAP+ 

• 2.85% of all Trellis participants identified as gender-diverse, including Trans and non-binary individuals (only 0.39% of Calgarians over age 15 identify as gender-diverse as per Statistics Canada)