Welcome to

Everyone deserves the chance to rebuild their lives and thrive

IIMAN Associates Canada

Background & Context

The city of Edmonton is becoming home to one of the fastest-growing population of visible minorities in Canada, contributing to the city’s cultural diversity, social vibrancy, and economic vitality. Many of the newcomers arrive as refugees, mainly from Africa, fleeing conflict, political instability, and economic hardship, with the hope of building a safer and more prosperous future for themselves and their children.

However, the rapid growth of these communities has been accompanied by persistent and systemic challenges that hinder their full integration into Edmonton’s social and economic life. Many newcomers are facing deepening poverty, inequality, homelessness, escalating crime and worsening mental health crisis.

A significant number of visible choose to settle in inner-city neighborhoods due to affordable housing, proximity to downtown and access to public transportation.

While inner-city living offers practical advantages, these neighborhoods often face chronic underinvestment, higher rates of poverty, crime, homelessness, aging infrastructure, and limited access to culturally appropriate services. As a result, the concentration of vulnerable populations in these areas can intensify social exclusion and marginalization unless supported by targeted policies and equitable service delivery.

Inner-City Settlement

Poverty Matters

When left unaddressed, poverty doesn't just hold back individuals today—it locks entire families into a cycle of disadvantage and hopelessness for generations to come.

Breaking this cycle requires early intervention, equity-focused programs, and long-term investments in housing, education, employment, and mental health.

Poverty is not just a lack of income—it’s a barrier to opportunity that, if unaddressed, passes from one generation to the next, creating deep and lasting harm.

a man sitting on a box in an abandoned building