Distress Centre provides 24-hour crisis support, counselling and referrals to programs and agencies for further assistance. ConnecTeen peer support service by phone, online chat or text.
Programs available at SORCe
The Justice Navigation Program
The Justice Navigation program works with individuals in need of support with justice-related matters. Needs that the program can address include: victim navigation, landlord/tenant disputes, addressing by-law infractions, information on warrants and court dates, information on legal processes and available resources, and in-person court support. The program seeks to enhance the capacity of both victims and offenders in navigating the justice system. Services provided are intended to reduce legal barriers and increase access to justice for vulnerable populations.
Walk-ins available Monday – Friday during office hours.
System Navigator & Resource Specialists
The System Navigator and Resource Specialist position is a multi-faceted role at the core of all participant activity at SORCe. It is the initial point of contact for all people, families and prospective participants entering the SORCe and will proactively engage people to build rapport, provide support with basic needs, assess areas of need, provide information, and connect to resources both at SORCe and in the community.
Walk-ins available Monday – Friday, 9am to 12pm & 1pm to 4pm
The Housing & Communications Hub
Walk-ins available Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday during SORCe operating hours, and Wednesday and Friday in the mornings .
The Housing and Communications Hub provides access to phones, computers, printers and fax for individuals working towards housing, employment and other wellness goals. Individuals accessing the Hub space are supported by a rotating SORCe service provider who can assist with tech navigation
Coordinated Access and Assessment - Housing Strategists
SORCe is the primary intake service for the Coordinated Access and Assessment (CAA) housing system in Calgary. CAA is an entry point for housing services through the Calgary Homeless Foundationand is designed to meet the needs of the most vulnerable first by triaging. The team completes Needs & Services Questionnaires (NSQ’s), develops individualized housing plans, and provides prevention/diversion housing information & referrals.
NSQ’s require check-ins, they can be done as little as once a month but should be done every couple of weeks.
Agencies wishing to refer clients to CAA program must complete the CAA System Partner Referral Form (links to the Calgary Homeless Foundation site).
Availability: Weekdays 9:00-4:00, closed 12:00-1:00
Diversion Housing Strategist - Non-Case Managed Housing
The primary focus of the diversion program at SORCe is to help individuals at risk of homelessness or recently entered into homelessness by connecting them to resources, helping them navigate systems, and goal plan to avoid homelessness. The intention for individuals that are experiencing homelessness is to ensure that the experience is brief time, to prevent unsheltered homelessness, and to divert individuals from accessing shelter, so as to relieve some of the pressure on shelters.
Intakes by Referral Only; Please speak with a System Navigator and Resource Specialist for further information
Financial Empowerment
The FE program employs one Income and Financial Support Advocate to fulfill the program objective to support people at risk of or experiencing homelessness, through individualized plans to address financial instability. The program includes the following supports:
1. Individualized financial education and coaching.
2. Assistance to complete taxes in order to access tax related benefits including but not limited to:
a. Child tax benefit
b. Federal and provincial pension
c. GST and other tax credits
d. Asset building tools such as RESP, RDSP
3. Support in accessing financial assistance.
4. Guidance and support in accessing reputable and safe banking products.
5. Finance related workshops.
Initial program intake is available on a first come, first served, walk in basis only during SORCe operating hours.
Availability: Weekdays 9:00-4:00, closed 12:00-1:00
Tax & Benefits Specialist
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, which encompasses a wrap-around model. 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.
Initial program intake is available on a first-come, first-served, walk-in basis on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 9-3 pm and closed from 12:00 -1:00