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

ID Replacement Program

The Distress Centre ID program aims to reduce barriers for individuals at risk of or experiencing homelessness to receive government issued identification.

Walk-ins Monday, Wednesday 1-4. Thursday, Friday 9-12. 

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

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