A beacon of hope in Calgary's crisis support landscape

In Calgary, Alberta, the disaster center is an indispensable beacon of hope for thousands of people seeking access to essential services such as housing and income support. Founded in 2005, the organization operates 211 — a critical lifeline that connects callers with resource professionals who offer guidance and facilitate access to critical resources.

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This Sunday, the Crisis Center is inviting the Calgary community to participate in awareness-raising activities that show the important role they play in supporting those in need. In keeping with its unwavering commitment to 24/7 assistance, the Center maintains a strict privacy policy that ensures the trust and security of all users.

Last year, the Center's resource specialists handled more than 50,000 contacts and follow-up calls, a great testament to their impact. Of these calls, 14% were related to housing requests, highlighting the great need for housing assistance among the people they serve.

More than a helpline

“Our mission is to provide compassionate, accessible crisis and navigational support that increases the health, well-being and resilience of people experiencing grief,” says a spokeswoman for the Center. Their vision is clear: to ensure that everyone is heard.

In addition to using the 211 service, the crisis center offers 24/7 crisis support, professional counseling and peer support for young people. They also serve as a central hub of coordinated access, facilitating access to housing and support services for Calgary's most vulnerable residents.

Shock waves

The work of the Crisis Center goes beyond the emergency care they provide; their efforts have far-reaching implications for the Calgary community. By addressing the needs of people in crisis, they contribute to the overall health and well-being of the city.

One such example is their impact on the local residential landscape. With 14% of calls being for asylum requests, the Center plays an important role in connecting people to safe and stable housing, an essential component of overall community health.

As the Crisis Center continues its mission, their work is a reminder of the power of compassionate support in times of crisis. Their commitment to being there for those in need is a testament to the resilience and strength of the Calgary community.

For those seeking help or wanting to support the disaster center's mission, Sunday's awareness events provide an opportunity to engage with the organization and learn more about the important role they play in the community.

As the sun sets on another day in Calgary, the disaster center remains a constant presence — a symbol of hope and a reminder that help is only a phone call away.