On my first day at MacEwan, I met someone that I had helped at a previous job. We sat down, had coffee and they updated me on their progress securing housing. It reminded me that investing in people – and getting to see it pay off over the long term – is so rewarding.

My work as a campus navigator means that when a call is placed to Security Services about a community member who needs help, I’ll be there. 

I have a bunch of tools I use to tackle problems and help keep people safe in the cold. I keep items on hand to meet basic needs – clothing, hygiene supplies and food hampers from the food bank. We also partner with social agencies to help address problems at their root. 

Because I work for the Mustard Seed and am seconded to MacEwan, I often chat with all the other navigators around the city and we work together to help people who are transient in our areas.

No day is ever the same. All the people I meet have different stories and diverse backgrounds. I never know where a call is going to go. Sometimes it’s as simple as connecting someone with a resource. Other times, I could be helping with an emergency.

I work across campus with different departments, and I appreciate how willing everybody here is to work with me, share resources and be open.

Every semester, I get to work with Bachelor of Social Work students. Witnessing students and community members interact in different situations is one of the most rewarding parts of the job.

There are always people who need help, and it's important to be there for them.

– Joshua Dillon, Campus Navigator, Security Services