Those experiencing homelessness may face multifaceted challenges, like economic inequality, mental health issues, substance abuse, systemic discrimination, and insufficient access to social services and adequate affordable housing.  

Addressing homelessness takes holistic approaches like prioritizing affordable housing, social support systems, mental health services, and policies aimed at combating systemic injustices. Only through concerted efforts can we make progress towards adequate housing for all.

We know the reasons individuals choose not to attend shelters are complex. When approaching encampments, our teams try to balance compassion, dignity and safety for those experiencing homelessness with the community's safety.

​The City has a unique community peace officer team called the Vulnerable Persons Team, which responds to homeless encampments; the team has created a unique working model that focuses on creating positive working relationships and open communication channels with numerous social agencies and businesses that work to support vulnerable populations.

If you encounter an encampment:

• Call 311 to report it.
• Do not enter the camp.
• If you believe someone’s safety is in jeopardy, or if you see a violent or criminal situation occurring, call 9-1-1.

Visit Encampments (calgary.ca) for more information.

Emergency shelters in Alberta receive funding and oversight from the Government of Alberta. There are approximately 2000 emergency shelter spaces in Calgary and The City works cooperatively with the homeless-serving sector to help more people exit homelessness by rapidly connecting them with housing.

The Extreme Weather Response is a comprehensive and collaborative program to provide support to vulnerable and unsheltered individuals facing extreme weather conditions.

Calgary Homeless Foundation coordinates this program in partnership with The City. The strategy works with existing emergency shelters, social service organizations and City services to offer space and support to those most in need during the difficult winter months. 

Visit Calgary Homeless Foundation’s Extreme Weather Response resources for information about overnight shelters, daytime services, warming locations and supports.

The City supports the work of Calgary’s homeless-serving sector by providing about $9 million in funding to various social agencies for programs that prevent people from falling into crisis and to support those experiencing homelessness or at risk of becoming homeless. A few examples include: 

• The Calgary Homeless Foundation receives funding for the Extreme Weather Response. The bulk of City funding is spent on increasing accessible warming spaces in the winter by building capacity with existing and well-established spaces within the Homeless Serving System of Care. 
• Miskanawah Community Services Association receives funding for its Nanatawiho Kamik - Healing Lodge, providing comprehensive mental health supports and services for Indigenous peoples.
• Alpha House receives funding for their Downtown Ambassador Program and their HELP (Human-centered Engagement Liaison and Partnership) team program, providing services to individuals struggling with substance use at the street level.
• Community Health Centre - The Alex receives funding for programs that support mental and physical health and outreach to vulnerable and street-involved individuals. 
• Distress Centre receives funding to provide immediate, single point, multiple modality access for Calgarians in suicidal crisis and their families.
• Calgary Immigrant Women’s Association receives funding for secondary crisis response for immigrant and refugee women and their children.
• CUPS Calgary Society receives funding for their Connect 2 Care program, providing timely crisis intervention for vulnerable Calgarians and to improve access to community services through care coordination and systems navigation.

To see details about all funded programs, visit: Prevention funding.