We have seen some frigid temperatures that lasted several days in recent months. At times, the mercury has plunged below minus 30 and stayed there for days at a time.

These cold snaps leave those experiencing homelessness in our city in a very dangerous situation. With no permanent housing, they are exposed to frostbite and hypothermia and often need emergency medical attention. As we reflect on the Longest Night of the Year, we know some of these individuals don’t make it.

It takes a village

Several organizations in the city have been working in tandem for years to combat the situation by providing shelter support for those who need it. Organizations such as the Mustard Seed, Inn from the Cold, Alpha House, the Calgary Drop-In Centre and Fear is Not Love (formerly Calgary Women’s Emergency Shelter) are continuously working above and beyond to ensure our vulnerable population has a place to sleep as they work to find a more permanent home.

CUPS Executive Director Carlene Donnelly says the sustainability of helping those in need comes through community partnerships forged with one common focus. 

“While we all arrive at the table with different strengths and skill sets, we’re united in our commitment to meet people where they are at; to listen and be empathetic to their story while giving them the tools they need to build resilience for a stronger future,” says Donnelly.

The Mustard Seed

The Mustard Seed has provided a safe haven for people suffering from poverty and homelessness for over 35 years.  Its Foothills Shelter has the capacity to provide a warm bed, food, clothing, a hot shower and hygiene supplies to 370 adults every night.

It provides transportation from its Downtown Neighbour Centre every night. 

Calgary Drop-In Centre

Located downtown, the Drop-In Centre provides shelter for adults experiencing homelessness. It provides a wide range of care, which includes an emergency shelter, which provides shelter for approximately 420 people every day.

It also offers three daily meals and bagged lunches for anyone staying in the shelter and provides hygienic services such as access to a bathroom, shower and clean clothing to anyone who needs it.

The Drop-In Centre been serving Calgary for more than 60 years.

Inn from the Cold

The not-for-profit focuses on keeping families together when they are most vulnerable.

Inn from the Cold provides temporary emergency shelter to families facing eviction from their current homes or currently homeless.

Families will be given a semi-private environment, three meals a day, snacks, and support to help find a new permanent home.

Alpha House

A safe, caring environment for those suffering from alcohol and other drug addictions.

Alpha House has been offering short-term, crisis-oriented emergency help for people under the influence since 1982.

During the 2021-22 fiscal year, it helped over 4,500 people.

Fear is Not Love (formerly Calgary Women’s Emergency Shelter)

The shelter has supported the Calgary community since 1974, providing support as a safe haven for children and women experiencing family violence and abuse.

The shelter has 50 beds and is equipped to help meet their basic needs, which include food, clothing, toiletries and counselling services.

A force for good

When a group of agencies like this come together to make sure they help as many vulnerable people as possible, they can be a powerful force, but they still need support from the community. 

Volunteering or donating to any of these agencies goes a long way to helping someone experiencing homelessness.

We encourage you to find out more about each non-profit’s services by visiting their websites and following them on social.