A powerful new interactive display has opened at Southcentre Mall, offering Calgary shoppers a sobering glimpse into the hidden hardships many of their neighbours face behind closed doors.
Seeing Behind the Façade of Daily Life
The United Way of Calgary and Area unveiled its "See the Need" installation on Tuesday, November 25, 2025. The centerpiece is a life-size home façade with a door that, when opened, reveals personal stories depicting the real challenges within Calgary communities.
"What we're really trying to do is shine a light on the challenges that many Calgarians are facing today due to the affordability crisis," explained Yvette Biggs, United Way's vice-president of communications and marketing.
The display highlights critical issues including poverty, mental health challenges, and family violence. According to data collected by United Way, the situation is dire: one in four Calgarians cannot meet their basic needs, which encompass essentials like rent, clothing, and food.
The Stark Reality of Calgary's Affordability Crisis
The statistics presented are alarming. Biggs confirmed that there are more than 18,000 unhoused people in Calgary, a figure that underscores the depth of the city's affordability and housing crisis.
"We have a lot of Calgarians that are struggling," Biggs emphasized. "It could be our friends, our neighbours, or our co-workers."
Beyond the evocative doorway, the installation features several interactive components designed to foster empathy and understanding:
- "Make the Month" simulation: Guides users through the difficult financial choices many face each month.
- Impact Calculator: Shows precisely how and where donations can be used to make a difference.
- Tap-to-donate station: Allows for immediate financial support.
Connecting Calgarians with Critical Resources
A key component of the installation is information about 211, the 24-hour help line operated by the Distress Centre. This service connects people in crisis with hundreds of local agencies that can provide assistance.
"You can call that line, they'll do an assessment of your needs, and then they'll connect you to the resources that you need," said Biggs.
This resource is vital not only for those seeking help but also for understanding the broader needs of the community. The data from the more than 50,000 calls made to 211 each year helps United Way "feel the pulse about what Calgarians are struggling with."
Alexandra Velosa, marketing manager for Southcentre Mall, stated, "This is a great opportunity for us to connect our visitors with what Calgary is facing." The initiative, timed for Giving Tuesday, moves beyond surface-level charity and encourages a deeper, more informed engagement with the pervasive issue of affordability affecting countless local residents.
