Housing-Focused Support
Distress Centre Calgary’s Coordinated Entry program provides multiple programs and services at the location of SORCe. All aspects of the program use a housing-focused approach to support people experiencing or facing homelessness.
This program directly provides support beyond system navigation and referral to holistically support housing, health, finances, and community connection.
Services are offered on a walk-in basis at SORCe. Learn more about SORCe Calgary and see how it can help.
The Reality of Homelessness in Our City
Homelessness remains a critical issue in our city. In 2024, the Point-in-Time Count conducted by the Calgary Homeless Foundation found that 2 out of every 1,000 Calgarians were experiencing homelessness. The most common reasons for housing loss were insufficient income (35%) and partner-related issues (26%).
These numbers highlight the urgent and complex challenges facing individuals and families in Calgary, underscoring the importance of having a coordinated entry system that connects people with the right supports at the right time.
Our Impact
In 2024, we supported 8,203 unique individuals like Mark in our Coordinated Entry Program, delivering 18,737 services through a coordinated, trauma-informed approach.
| 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| # of interactions | 15,275 | 14,300 | 18,737 |
| # of unique individuals supported | 7,583 | 4,244 | 8,203 |
Impact Story – Mark
“Mark” visited SORCe three times to use the Communications Hub. Mark had a long history with the criminal justice system, experienced multiple and lengthy periods of homelessness, and was currently recovering from a brain injury resulting from a severe assault earlier in the year.
Distress Centre team members assisted Mark in re-initiating AISH, securing temporary accommodation, accessing his personal identification and accessing emergency food support. The team assisted Mark in relocating to another city where he had access to accommodation and support through the community. He left for his new home at the end of July.
Impact Story – Mark
“Mark” visited SORCe 3 times in July 2022 to use the Communications Hub. Mark had a long history with the criminal justice system, experienced multiple and lengthy periods of homelessness, and was currently recovering from a brain injury resulting from a severe assault earlier in the year.
Distress Centre team members assisted Mark in re-initiating AISH, securing temporary accommodation, accessing his personal identification and accessing emergency food support. The team assisted Mark in relocating to another city where he had access to accommodation and support through the community. He left for his new home at the end of July.
Where to Find SORCe
Visit Us
SORCe is located on the north side of the City Hall LRT platform at:
#2 – 316 7 Ave SE, Calgary, AB T2G 0J2
WALK-IN HOURS
Coordinated Entry Programs & Services
The Safe Communities Opportunity and Resource Centre, or SORCe, is not itself an agency, but rather a multi-agency collaborative. Working out of a single location, agencies work together to connect individuals and families experiencing or facing homelessness with programs and services that can assist them.
For more detailed information about our services, including operating hours, please visit the SORCe website.
When Someone First Enters SORCe
People will be greeted by a System Navigator and Resource Specialist. This person will build rapport, assess areas of need, provide information and connect to resources both at SORCe and in the community.
Justice Navigation
The Justice Navigation program supports individuals with justice-related matters by providing guidance and resources. The program can assist with victim navigation, landlord and tenant disputes, by-law infractions, information on warrants and court dates, understanding legal processes, and in-person court support. Its goal is to help both victims and offenders navigate the justice system more effectively, reducing legal barriers and improving access to justice for vulnerable populations.
Coordinated Access and Assessment – Housing Strategists
SORCe is the primary intake service for the Coordinated Access and Assessment housing system in Calgary. Housing Strategists act as the entry point for supportive housing services through the Calgary Homeless Foundation. They’ll complete Needs and Services Questionnaires with the program participant, develop an individualized housing plan, and provide information and navigation support to address other needs and issues.
The Housing Strategists at Distress Centre also provide Housing Strategist Training to community partners, increasing overall coverage in Calgary.
Prevention & Diversion Program
The CAA team’s Prevention & Diversion program is focused on helping individuals at risk of homelessness or who have recently entered into homelessness by connecting them to resources, helping with system navigation, and goal planning to avoid homelessness.
The intention of this program is to keep the experience of homelessness as short as possible, prevent unsheltered homelessness and prevent people from becoming unhoused.
Housing and Communications Hub
The CAA team also supports the Communications Hub at SORCe, offering a place for people to access phones and computers. This access is a lifeline for someone who does not have a phone or computer in an increasingly tech-reliant world.
Financial Empowerment
The Financial Empowerment (FE) program provides one-on-one support to individuals at risk of or experiencing homelessness by addressing financial instability through personalized plans. Services include financial education and coaching, help with taxes and benefits, access to financial assistance and safe banking, and workshops to build long-term financial skills.
Tax and Benefits
The income tax and benefits specialist assists individuals with tax completion, leveraging training from the community volunteer income tax program (CVITP) to secure entitled benefits under the umbrella of the Financial Empowerment program.
The specialist connects individuals facing homelessness to recourse in income support and pensions after 65 and collaborates with a Financial Coach for further support regarding finances.
Collaboration Through SORCe
By bringing together multiple agencies and programs in a single location, SORCe strives to connect each client to all necessary programs and services to address the individual and complex needs of each client that comes in the door.
Learn more about SORCe and the different programs they offer by visiting their website.
Opportunities to Help
Our volunteer opportunities allow you to provide support in various ways, including over the phone and via chat, text, or email. We also provide extensive practical and ongoing training.
As Calgary’s only 24-hour crisis agency, we are often the first point of contact for those seeking help. Make a career out of making a difference!
Distress Centre is committed to furthering the field of social work, and we view practicum students as a great asset to our team. Practicum opportunities exist year-round within the Crisis Line Program and Counselling Program, along with other opportunities.
Check Out Our Blog
Explore what’s new in the community and important updates from Distress Centre.
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2024 Annual Report is Available Now
Distress Centre Calgary is here for you during life’s toughest moments. We provide immediate support to help-de-escalate crises and improve your situation, while guiding you towards long-term well-being. In 2024, [...]Read More... from 2024 Annual Report is Available Now
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we want you to know that your donation is currently supporting someone in crisis. thank you for your contributions.
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FIND US
Email: info@distresscentre.com24-Hour Crisis Line: 403-266-4357
Main Office: 403-266-1601
Youth Program Office: 403-264-8337
Calgary, AB T2R 1J5 | View Map
Charitable Registration Number:
107021024RR0001
In the spirit of respect, reciprocity and truth, Distress Centre Calgary would like to honour and acknowledge Moh’kinsstis, and the traditional Treaty 7 territory and oral practices of the Blackfoot confederacy: Siksika, Kainai, Piikani, as well as the Îyâxe Nakoda and Tsuut’ina nations. We acknowledge that this territory is home to the Otipemisiwak Métis Government of the Métis Nation within Alberta Districts 5 and 6. Finally, we acknowledge all Nations – Indigenous and non – who live, work and play on this land, and who honour and celebrate this territory.
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