Organizers celebrated Calgary’s first-ever home dedicated to the support of Afro-Caribbean men, one that fills a void in supportive care for the community.
The grand opening of Mandela House took place Thursday on Nelson Mandela Day and is operated under Ruth’s House organization founded on Feb. 26, 2022. The Mandela House is a home designated for Afro-Caribbean men who are victims of domestic violence or in need of support.
Ruth’s House focus was mainly on women and children but then realized that there was a large need to support the men in the community as well, according to Dr. Euiitope Roberts, chairperson of the board for Ruth’s House.
“Mandela House marks the flagship shelter for men fleeing domestic violence. Men that need support as they navigate difficulties” said Roberts.
The Mandela House is designated for supplying many different kinds of services that can not only help men get back on their feet but also be self-sufficient.
“The domestic violence end is where we concentrate on basically evaluating, making sure the men get the right support they need the right connection they need, and to also support on strained emotional health, especially when it involves children,” said Clarence Winter, Men’s Advisory Committee Chair of Ruth’s House.
“My ambition is to see the four quadrants of Calgary have replication of this,” said Winter.
The creation of Mandela House is primarily to reduce the stress of the men who have recently become homeless, according to Ben Bamijoko, Board member and Head of the Men’s Counseling program for Ruth’s House.
The Mandela House is the first shelter in Calgary that the team at Ruth’s House is aware of that focuses on African and Caribbean descent.
“So, it not only provides that cultural support piece, but also a place where they can build community as well as peer support with other men,” said Bamijoko.
“I have seen men coming through Ruth’s House because we don’t have this kind of housing, they will sleep in their car for days and weeks and that’s not OK.”
The Mandela House can host nine men at one time and to best get in contact with Mandela House support is by calling the number on their website.
“Let us continue to work towards a future where every individual, regardless of their background, can be free from fear and violence that also holds a vision of a community where love, respect and safety prevail,” said Roberts.
