Extreme Weather Response for Those Experiencing Homelessness: January 27 Update

With freezing temperatures forecasted to begin over the weekend, I wanted to provide you with an update on Community Strategies' plans to ensure that there are programs and services in place to support those members of our community that are struggling with homelessness. These plans are made in collaboration with the Calgary Homeless Foundation.  

Important Tips

• If you see someone who needs help, call the DOAP Team at 403-998-7388.  
• If someone is in serious distress or non-responsive, call 911.  
• Calgary emergency shelters are currently operating 24/7.  
• Space remains available at emergency shelters, with occupancy rates around 70%.  
• The City’s Animal Services Centre continues to accept pets of unhoused owners for up to 30 days. Access can be arranged through the DOAP Team or emergency shelters. 

Response Activities: January 27 - 29  

• The free Calgary Transit Emergency Shelter Shuttle service will be active from January 27-29. Information on the Emergency Shelter Shuttle is available at calgaryhomeless.com/ccewr/sheltershuttle/
• Warming spaces are available at various locations across the city, with hours ranging from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM depending on location. A list of daytime warming spaces and other supports is available at calgaryhomeless.com/ccewr-resource-list/
• The Salvation Army Mobile Warming Station is scheduled to be at Sunalta, Southland, Franklin, and Anderson LRT stations over the weekend. Schedules can be found at calgaryhomeless.com/ccewr/mobilewarming/

Warming Space Highlight 

• Journey Church has partnered with the Calgary Homeless Foundation and Distress Centre to provide a warming location in the NW, near the Tuscany LRT station. Outreach, housing, and referral services are provided in addition to snacks, essential items, and coffee. Visits to the Journey Church warming location have increased over the last few weeks as more clients become aware of this resource available outside the downtown core. 

The Community Strategies team is working closely with Calgary Transit and Emergency Management & Community Safety. If you have questions regarding The City’s work to support Calgarians experiencing homelessness during extreme weather, please contact my office.