Overview
Alberta's government took steps to ensure supports and services are there for those in need by opening Navigation and Support Centres in Edmonton and Calgary. These centres provide a one-stop shop for critical services for all people experiencing homelessness. The Navigation and Support Centres improve access to supports, with staff who are committed to getting people the help they need.
Supports and services
We have been actively reviewing the services provided at the Navigation and Support Centres to ensure the most valuable services are available to Albertans seeking support. Based on these reviews the services offered in both Edmonton and Calgary include:
- intake services provided by Recovery Coaches with Bowline Health, with support from Hope Mission in Edmonton and the Salvation Army in Calgary
- transportation to and from the Navigation and Support Centre, and to a client’s next location or referral
- access to Income Support and Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped (AISH) including emergency financial benefits supported directly by Seniors, Community and Social Services
- onsite and same day Alberta Identification provided by Alberta Motor Association (AMA), on behalf of Service Alberta and Red Tape Reduction
- shelter navigation, shelter beds onsite, food services, building maintenance and operations
- connection and referrals to housing supports, including rapid re-housing, intensive case management and permanent supportive housing, helping clients enter the coordinated access system
- the ability for clients to lock up their belongings in a safe place
- support for clients with pets to ensure both they and their pets are cared for while they seek assistance
- connections to medical support provided by Radius Health in Edmonton and CUPS in Calgary
- connections to the Virtual Opioid Dependency Program (VODP) for same-day access to addiction medical specialists and life-saving treatment anywhere in the province
- connections to other mental health and addiction services and supports provided by Recovery Alberta
- access to Indigenous cultural supports provided by Bent Arrow Traditional Healing Society in Edmonton, and the Aboriginal Friendship Centre of Calgary in Calgary
Navigation and Support Centres are open for intake Monday to Friday during the day.
Download the Navigation and Support Centre and shelter location information card:
- Edmonton – 10302 107 Street
Monday to Friday, 9 am to 4:30 pm - Calgary – 428 9 Avenue SE
Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm
We remain committed to connecting people experiencing homelessness with critical, and culturally appropriate services and supports and will continue to work with shelter operators and frontline service providers to address challenges.
News
- New supports for vulnerable people in Edmonton (January 17, 2024)
- Encampment removal yields significant improvements (February 3, 2024)
- Navigation and Support Centre remaining open permanently (March 26, 2024)
- Navigation and Support Centre to open in Calgary (June 5, 2024)