City of Calgary Hotlines & General Community Resources

Resource Information Contact
General information Community resource information in many languages 211
City of Calgary Information about City of Calgary operations 311
Directory Information about telephone numbers 411
Emergency Fire, police, and ambulance emergency 911
Calgary Police Services Police non-emergency line 403-266-1234
The Distress Centre Open 24 hours, and provides crisis counselling and support services 403-266-HELP (4357)
Inform Alberta Online community, social, government, education, and health information across Alberta
Immigrant Services Calgary
  • Can give referrals for other services in Calgary
  • Offers counselling services in multiple languages
  • Can help learners fill out complicated forms with the help of interpreters
  • Can help learners navigate the systems to apply for Alberta Works
403-265-1120
Calgary Legal Guidance Provides legal information, advice, and advocacy to Calgarians who don't have access to legal services 403-234-9266
Legal Aid Alberta Provides a range of legal services to low-income Albertans in a number of areas, including family, criminal, and civil law 1-866-845-3425

Food

 Resource  Information  Contact
 Calgary Food bank  Hampers can be picked up from at the main warehouse or one of 14 satellite locations throughout Calgary.  403-253-2055
 Society of Saint Vincent de Paul  Provides emergency food hampers  403-250-0319
 Community Kitchen  Good Food Box Program offering low-cost fresh fruits and vegetables  
 Good Food Box - Community Kitchen Program of Calgary  Provides fresh fruits and vegetables at lower cost:

Large box (40-45 pounds of produce): $20

Family box (30-35 pounds of produce): $15

Senior/single box (20-25 pounds of produce): $10

60 locations throughout Calgary
 403-538-3780
 The Alex Community Food Centre  Brings people together to grow, cook, share, and promote good food for all. Register for a cooking class or drop in for a community meal. You can also visit the affordable produce market.  
 Calgary Community Food Map  A listing of places to access free or low-cost food in the community. “Calgary Community Food Map”  
 Free Food Alberta  Alberta Health Services listing of free food sources. Helping to connect you with emergency food programs including food banks, food hampers, and free meals.  
 Drop-in Food Pantry   Every Thursday from 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM. No appointment needed.

Robert McClure United Church – An Affirming, Inclusive Community. 5510- 26 AVE SE
 
 Kingdom Coffee YYC   Food, hygiene products. Monday – Saturday. No questions asked 4099 Ogden Road SE  
 Calgary Neechi Mart   Every Tuesday 12pm – 3 PM Banff trail Community Association 2115-20 Ave NW

Free Food (Food items Change weekly. First come, first serve basis. Bring your own Bags/boxes
 

Clothing

     
Good Neighbour Community Market   Pay -what you can thrift store
149 5 Ave SE, Calgary, AB T2G 5T1, Open Thursday-Saturday 11-5pm
 
 The Free Goods Program at the Drop-in Centre  Women in Need Society (WINS) is Calgary’s homegrown thrift charity, providing basic needs resources and support to women and their families Access application form here: https://calgarydropin.ca/free-goods-application-form/
 Women in Need Society (WINS)  Women in Need Society (WINS) is Calgary’s homegrown thrift charity, providing basic needs resources and support to women and their families  https://www.winsyyc.ca/contact

 

Pregnant Women, Infants and Childcare

Resource Information Contact
Best Beginning

Support for pregnant teens and women living on a low income to prevent low birth weight, promote prevention of injuries and promote maternal mental health by low social isolation and making connections with community supports

  • facilitated discussions of prenatal, postnatal, parenting and nutrition topic
  • one to one and group supoort
  • referrals to community support agencies, if needed
  • food coupons, bus tickets, and referrals for food hampers, if needed
  • dental referrals and family planning counselling, if needed
  • childcare at group sessions with Preschool curriculum 
811
Baby Hampers - Calgary Food Bank
  • Infant and baby hampers include diapers, formula and baby food to ensure the youngest clients get what they need
403-253-2059
 

Furniture and Housing Supplies

Resource Information Contact
MCC Thrift Store, Calgary Second-hand clothes, furniture, and more at low prices. 403-272-0282
2946 - 32 Street NE
 Women in Need Calgary’s homegrown thrift charity, providing basic needs resources and support to women and their families   403-255-5102

The Free Goods Program at the Drop in Centre

 The Free Goods Program provides lightly used goods, like furniture, kitchenware, clothing, computers, mobile phones, small appliances, books, and more, to low- and no-income Calgarians who are building a life for themselves and their family.  403- 276-3173
635 - 35 Avenue NE

Financial Management & Financial Literacy Supports in the Community

     
 Aspire Calgary

 Aspire Calgary is a multi-sectoral collaborative of 30 organizations working to implement financial empowerment 

Programming includes: 

  • Financial Education and Coaching  
  • Matched Savings  
  • Taxation and Benefits  
  •  Education Savings
 https://aspirecalgary.org/
Rise Calgary- Basic Needs Fund  The Basic Needs Fund is an emergency financial assistance fund, intended to help people out of an unforeseen financial crisis. See website for eligibility criteria and application. https://www.risecalgary.ca/basic-needs-fund


Money Mentors

 Alberta Debt Relief & Financial Education. They help Albertans get out of debt, manage their money, and plan for retirement.  
Money Tips:   
https://moneymentors.ca/money-tips 

Savings & Debt Resources for Success:

https://moneymentors.ca/resources 

Free online classes: 
 https://moneymentors.ca/financial-education/online/ 

 1-888-294-0076 or 403-265-2201 
Momentum Momentum offers programming to reduce financial barriers including financial management skill development workshops and courses, entrepreneurship classes and more.  403-272-9323
Services and Supports for Parents and Families
 Resource  Information  Contact
 CUPS
  •  Health Services clinics (healthcare, counselling and addiction treatment for adults and children)
  • Developmental Resources (early learning, skill-building, and support for children and caregivers) 
  • Economic Support (financial and housing supports and referrals for adults and families) 
  • Social Support / Emotional Supports (programs, activities and emotional support for adults and families) 
 403-221-8780
 Families Matter Programs for Parents 403-205-5178
 Calgary Childrens Link  Access point of information for families of children with special needs in Calgary and the surrounding area 403-230-9158 
 Community Resource Centre (CRC)

 A Community Resource Centre provides you with resources, referrals, information, and support. Get help with basic needs, including:  

  • Food 
  • Clothing
  • Housing
  • Employment
  • Transportation
 
 The Alex Community Health Centre  A full-service health clinic that understands that good health is so much more than just physical.
  • Medical Care
  • Mental health support
  • Gender-affirming care
  • Social Supports
  • Justice Navigation
  • Pharmacy Service
  • Acupunture
  • Audiology
  • Optometry
 403-266-2622

Transportation

Resource Information Contact
Calgary Transit Offers a low-income program for transit users 403-262-1000
Calgary Transit Access This is a door-to-door shared-ride service for people who can't take a bus or the CTrain.   403-537-7770
 Upass  In partnership with Calgary Transit, full-time learners can buy an optional transit pass that gives unlimited access to Calgary Transit services during their term of studies. See Upass page for details   403-537-7777, option 2 

Family Recreation and Activities 

Resource Information Contact
Vecova Recreation Centre (formerly the VRII) Barrier-free facility offering recreation to Calgarians of all ages and abilities 403-284-2231
KidSport Society of Calgary Registration fees and/or sports equipment for children and adolescents from low-income families 403-202-0251
Calgary Between Friends  This organization providing quality social, recreation and development opportunities to more than 80 different disability groups; of which, over 40% of are on the Autism Spectrum. Our programs & services are designed for children, youth, and adults based on age group & interests. Everyone is welcome to participate at Between Friends, regardless of ability, age, gender, race, gender identity, religion or culture. 403-269-9133
CanLearn Society (formerly the Calgary Learning Center) Provides  programs that support families with learning, literacy and attention difficulties 403- 686-9300
 City of Calgary – Free Activities Listing   
Explore our fun, FREE activities for children, youth, adults, and families. These safe, supervised programs are great for making new friends and learning new activities.  

Our year-round outdoor programs and events are weather dependent. 
 

Legal Supports

Resource  Information  Contact
 Calgary Legal Guidance  Provides legal information, advice, and advocacy to Calgarians who don't have access to legal services  403-234-9266
 Legal Aid Alberta  Provides a range of legal services to low-income Albertans in a number of areas, including family, criminal, and civil law   1-866-845-3425
 Pro Bono Law Alberta   Brief legal assistance to self-represented litigants with civil matters  406-541-4804
     

Indigenous Student Supports

Resource  Information  Contact
 Indigenous Housing   Inn From the Cold – Moccasin Pathways  https://innfromthecold.org/supportive-housing/
 Miskanawah  ka-pe-kiwehtahat program that helps prevent families enter homelessness.  https://miskanawah.ca
 Trellis Families with minor children or dependents living at home who are at imminent risk of homelessness.  Eligible families must be renters within Calgary.
Contact
403-219-3477 (Option #1 in menu)
homestay@growwithtrellis.ca
 

Metis – Métis Capital Housing

 Housing services  https://www.metishousing.ca/uploads/source/Application_Forms%3A_/Reaching_Home__Program_Application_PDF_Updated_-_October_2022_-_FILLABLE.pdf
 Treaty 7 Housing    https://www.t7housing.com/
 Forward Housing    Apply for Affordable Housing | Forward Housing
 Native Counselling Services of Alberta  Free counselling services for Status Indigenous Learners  https://www.sac-isc.gc.ca/eng/1576441552462/1576441618847
 Emergency food benefits online    https://emergencybenefits.alberta.ca/login/
 First Nations Health Consortium  The Alberta Indigenous Virtual Care Clinic serves individuals self-identifying as First Nations, Inuit and Métis and their immediate family members.  https://aivcc.ca/how-it-works/
 

Counselling Services

Resource Information Contact
The Distress Centre Open 24 hours, and provides crisis support, and professional counselling at no cost. 403- 266-4357
Kindred This organization provides support strengthening relationships with family; working on personal goals and relationships; and gaining knowledge and skills as a new parent.   403-233-2360
 Bow Valley College Counsellors

 Provides guidance and information on a variety services to support your wellbeing. You can access: 

  • Group sessions to help you develop strategies for managing anxiety, building better relationships, and increasing positive emotions. 
  • Short-term one-on-one counselling support. 
  • Wellness workshops to help you build or maintain wellbeing. 
  • Mental health training to learn more about mental health and how to help yourself and others 
 403-410-1440
Carya Counselling, support, and other programs for individuals and families 403-205-5294
Calgary Counselling Centre Counselling support for individuals, couples, families, and groups 833-827-4229

Newcomer Supports

 Resource  Information  Contact
 Centre for Newcomers

The Centre for Newcomers is a resource centre for Calgary’s newcomers and refugees to receive settlement and integration services as well as information. Settlement and integration services include:

  • Needs assessment and one-on-one counselling.
  • Orientation to life in Canada.
  • LGBTQ+ settlement services 
403-569-3325
 Calgary Immigrant Women's Assocaition (CIWA)  This association focuses on the concerns and needs of immigrant and refugee women, girls and their families. They offer unique settlement and integration, language training, workplaces, and family services.  403-263-4414
Calgary Catholic Immigration Society (CCIS)  CCIS (Calgary Catholic Immigration Society) is a non-profit organization which provides settlement and integration services to all immigrants and refugees in Southern Alberta.  403-262-2006
 The Calgary Region Immigrant Employment Council (CRIEC)  This not-for-profit connects newcomer professionals to strategies that will lead to successful employment outcomes.  587-894-7583
 The Immigrant Educational Society  This organization offers language, employment, and settlement training for newly arrived newcomers and low-income families.  403-235-3666
 Immigrant Services Calgary

 Immigrant Services Calgary has been providing a wide range of settlement services to immigrants and refugees looking to begin a new chapter of their lives in Canada. Services include:

  • Newcomer plans
  • Translation Services 
  • English testing and refferals to classes 
  • Job Support
 403-265-1120
 Windmill Microlending   Windmill Microlending is Canada’s largest microlending not-for-profit for skilled immigrants and refugees, Windmill addresses underemployment of internationally trained professionals across Canada  1-855-423-2262

For Banff community resources, click here

For Chestermere community resources, click here

For Airdrie community resources, click here

For Cochrane community resources, click here

For Chestermere community resources, click here

For Strathmore community resources, click here

 


Contact us

Learner Success Services

345 – 6 Avenue SE
First floor, South building Campus
403-410-1440
learnersuccess@bowvalleycollege.ca

Hours of operation
Monday – Friday 8:00 a.m. – 4:15 p.m

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