Alberta’s government is addressing public safety concerns while ensuring vulnerable Calgarians will be connected to the programs and services they need, all under one roof.
The new Navigation and Support Centre will be a much-needed option to address pressures felt by front-line workers and emergency services. It also offers a way to relocate vulnerable Albertans away from public transit, and into a safe environment with easy to access wraparound supports.
Expansion to Calgary means better support for the city’s most vulnerable community members, providing them with wraparound supports to get them back on their feet. The Navigation and Support Centre in Calgary will offer vulnerable people in the community access to services such as income support, shelter and housing options, Indigenous supports and help obtaining valid Alberta identification. Additionally, it will offer access to health, mental health and addiction treatment.
“The Navigation and Support Centre in Edmonton has been a tremendous success and I’m very pleased that we’re expanding this model to Calgary. We won’t turn our backs on Alberta’s most vulnerable citizens, and we won’t allow misery and despair to have a home in our cities. When it’s open, this new centre will provide a path to a better life for more of the most vulnerable in Calgary.”
“The ability to connect people in need with these key services is as important now as ever. The navigation and support centres will continue doing a great job at getting people the help they need when they need it. Having everything from housing assistance to addiction supports and even the ability to get an ID card all under one roof is a significant step forward.”
"We know sleeping on the street is not safe for anybody. That is why we are building on the success of Edmonton’s Navigation Centre by ensuring services and supports are available for vulnerable populations here in Calgary. By working together to address their unique needs, we can create a more compassionate society where everyone has the chance to thrive and get the help they need."
Transportation will be provided to and from the centre as needed, as well as transportation to the next location or referral. Additionally, clients with pets will be provided supports so that both they and their pets are cared for.
“We welcome the province’s assistance in helping Calgarians who otherwise can’t access things like identification, addictions and health services, and housing referrals. The Navigation Centre will compliment Council’s ongoing focus and investments in community safety and wellbeing. This kind of response to Calgarians in crisis is what governments should strive to provide, together, to make sure no one falls through the cracks.”
Alberta’s government is helping connect vulnerable people with appropriate housing and wraparound supports, including addiction treatment and mental health services. More than $80 million in funding has been provided to support homelessness initiatives in Calgary. Provincial funding also provides 24-7 access to more than 2,000 emergency spaces in Calgary.
“Calgary has such a strong base of collaboration among city services, including the Calgary Fire Department, Calgary Police Services and the many community agencies, we are confident the Navigation Centre will bring another piece to the puzzle of supporting our most vulnerable Calgarians.”
“The Calgary Police Service looks forward to the Government of Alberta’s Navigation and Support Centre as a resource for the most vulnerable members of the community. We are appreciative of additional resources for Calgarians, and for our officers to have another option to provide supports to the community. By collaborating with the Government of Alberta, The City of Calgary and community partners, we are able to help Calgarians experiencing homelessness and mental health and addictions crisis by providing the right resource, to the right person, at the right time.”
A major benefit of the Navigation and Support Centre model is the ability for people to be connected or referred to multiple supports and services when they access the centre. Additionally, Calgary Urban Project Society (CUPS), along with Alberta Health Services, will be on site to provide a variety of health and recovery-oriented services to those who need them.
“Calgary Homeless Foundation is pleased to partner with the provincial government in the Navigation and Support Centre in Calgary to ensure those experiencing homelessness have a one-stop shop for barrier-free access to services that support their personal recovery. We look forward to the centre’s positive impact on the lives of our most vulnerable citizens and we applaud the Government of Alberta for its commitment to supporting those at risk of, or experiencing, homelessness.”
“Its great to see the continued support by the Government of Alberta to provide support and resources for our people who want to break the dark cycle they are in. This Navigation Center will help with that and guide our people with compassion.”
Quick facts
- Provincially funded shelter operators in Calgary include:
- Alpha House
- Calgary Drop-In Centre
- Salvation Army
- The Mustard Seed
- YW Calgary
- The Children’s Cottage Society
- Inn From the Cold
- Since opening its doors in January, the navigation and support centre in Edmonton
- has been accessed by over 1,850 people
- has made approximately 5,625 referrals and direct connections to services
- has assisted with approximately 1,000 referrals to housing programs and connections to shelter services
- Additionally:
- Service Alberta has issued approximately 1, 245 ID cards;
- More than 800 people have been provided with financial benefits like Income Support and AISH;
- About 350 people have been provided transportation;
- More than 570 people have been referred for health supports;
- Over 270 people have been connected to mental health and addiction services, including 60 people who have connected to the Virtual Opioid Dependency Program.
Related information
Related news
- New supports for vulnerable people in Edmonton (Jan. 17, 2024)
- Navigation and Support Centre remaining open permanently (March 26, 2024)