Resources
Here are some links to information and agencies that may be useful. However, we do not endorse any organization in particular nor can we verify the information provided.
General Resources
Alberta 211: A resource for all assistance organizations and programs in Alberta. Searchable by need, city and region.
Housing
Alberta Works – Helps Albertans with low incomes cover their basic living costs with programs such as Income Support, Emergency Needs Allowance (emergency costs of rental arrears/eviction, utilities in arrears, food, damage deposit and so on), Health Benefits, and Financial Support for Training
Direct to Tenant Rent Supplement Program– Is a subsidy paid directly to an eligible tenant to assist with rental costs. It is part of Housing and Urban Affairs Alberta government department. Also call 403 310 4455 (Service Alberta) for information
Calgary Housing Action Initiative – Is a non-profit organization with links to emergency housing resources, emergency financial resources, alternative and low cost rentals, among other things. The links include The Red Cross and Salvation Army, which also give 1-time assistance for rental arrears, damage deposit and utilities disconnection.
Calgary Rent Bank – Provides loans for families and individuals to help secure housing and prevent residential eviction and termination of utilities.
Calgary Housing Company (search ‘Calgary Housing Company’) is a City of Calgary department which manages subsidized and low income affordable housing.
Calgary Homeless Foundation links page has a wealth of information from aboriginal organizations to community and government resources to health etc.
Calgary Urban Aboriginal Initiative gives information on housing, health, human rights and so on
Housing/Utilities
Sunrise The Basic Needs Funds is an emergency financial assistance fund to support with rent arrears, damage deposits or first month’s rent when moving into a new premises. For more details and to see if you are eligible, please click link https://www.sunriselink.org/basic-needs-fund or call 403-204-8280
Empower Me Supports to understand energy bills and choices, save energy and money 403-536-4006
Utilities Consumer Advocate Provides assistance resolving an issue with your utility company or if you have questions about your electricity and natural resources.
Health
Alberta Health Services covers major questions about physical and mental health (formerly Calgary Health region) – programs and links included Healthlink is a 24-hour-a-day, 7-day-a-week nurse telephone advice and health information service – call toll free 1 866 408 5465 or in Calgary 403 943 5465
Distress Centre Calgary is a 24-hour crisis line – 403 266 1605 and provides crisis support, information, and referral services
Canadian Mental Health Association has programs, information, a ‘get help’ section, and links
The Alex Community Health Centre has a variety of health services, crisis and resource specialists, counsellors, and food and nutrition programs
The Alex Community Health Bus They offer services to all ages to students and participants at the following locations: Queen Elizabeth High School, Dr. EP Scarlett High School, Crescent Heights High School, Reset Calgary, Dream Centre and Tsuut’ina High School. Please note times vary based on location.
Health care provided includes: Medical check-ups, Community referrals, Addiction support, Mental health support and referrals from a doctor, nurse and mobile resources specialist on board.
Email: communityhealthbus@thealex.ca 403-604-9528
Native Counselling Services of Alberta – programs in wellness, homelessness and housing, justice, employment etc.
Calgary Sexual Health Centre – Counselling, sexual health and peer education, outreach
Calgary Outlink: Centre for Gender and Sexual Diversity – Has programs, 24-hour info line, a library and drop-in centre; the peer support/crisis line is 1-877-688-4765
AIDS Calgary – Provides support and outreach as well as an education page and links
Calgary Co-operative Memorial Society– Is a co-op dedicated to ‘simplicity, dignity, and economy in pre-planned funerals’
Community Kitchen Program – Provides inexpensive food boxes and a program to cook meals at low cost
Good Food Box – Is a program under the Community Kitchen Program of Calgary whereby anyone can purchase boxes of fresh fruits and vegetables at an affordable price.
South Campass Health – Hospital located in the South Calgary.
Check locations to see if Walk-Ins are accepted or if by appointment only.
Health Equipment Loan Program (Canadian Red Cross Society) Health equipment provided to individuals recovering from illness or injury for 3 months. Referrals need to come from medical professional. 403-273-4426
Calgary Foothills Primary Care Network With this network you have access to a social worker even if you don’t have a family physician. The community social worker can offer help with: disability support, family support, mental health resources, housing and transportation. To request an appointment with a social worker you can ask your family doctor if a referral is right for you, you can call the program coordinator at 1-855-79-23726 or 587-774-9736 or you can book online https://health.ca/community-social-worker/
Community Connect YYC Offers free and low cost (sliding scale) counselling. They connect Calgary’s communities with affordable and barrier-free access to phone and video counselling sessions.
Sheldon M. Chumir Health Centre Offers dental services at about 1/3 of the regular cost for low income individuals and families by qualified dentists who are without access to dental insurance. The services offered are: Check-ups, X-rays, fluoride treatment, sealants, scaling, fillings, front tooth root canals, extraction etc.
Location 1213 4 Street SW 6th floor 403-955-6888
Alberta Child Health Benefit ACHB provides premium-free: dental, optical, diabetic and prescriptions drug coverage and emergency ambulance to children.
1-877-469-5437
Alberta Adult Health Benefit Covers health benefits for Albertans in low-income households. Also includes children who are 18 or 19 years old that attend high school and live at home.
780-427-6848
Arts-related Health Resources
Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety – information on chemical and material hazards in the workplace The following are American sites or organizations:
Artist Help Network is a resource site with information about health hazards, money and legal issues among other things
Artists Foundation is a resource site providing information about healthcare issues as well as ‘being in the arts’ tips (how to write a grant, etc.)
Searchable Health and Safety Information for Artists – this database includes all art mediums
Princeton University Art Safety– This guide provides an overview of some of the most common risks associated with painting, drawing, photography, ceramics, lithography, and sculpture.
Art Hazards – Internet and Library Resources – links to material handling and studio safety, searchable databases, journal articles
Online Health and Safety in the Arts Library –includes full manual of ‘Art Safety Procedures for Art Schools and Art Departments’.
Art and Craft Safety Guide– Is a PDF guide on safety for arts and crafts.
https://www.cpsc.gov/s3fs-public/5015.pdf
Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry – Information to prevent harmful exposures and diseases related to toxic substances
Centre for Research on Occupational and Environmental Toxicology – General information and links to health and safety issues in the arts
Arts, Crafts, and Theater Safety – safety and hazard information
True Art hazards information – information on artist’s materials as well as numerous articles on everything from allergies to photography chemicals to woodworking
Calgary Emergency Preparedness – Information on Water Safety, Hazardous Materials and Traffic & Road Safety
Food
Awo Taan Healing Lodge Provides emergency food hampers for Indigenous families.
Monday 9:00am-8:00pm, Tuesday-Saturday 9:00am-5:00pm
4518 17 Ave SE Calgary, AB 403-531-1880 ext. 100
Calgary Food Bank Provides food hampers. You must call first to book an appointment for pick up. 403-253-2055
Community Cupboard Located at Abbeydale Christian Fellowship Church. Their program provides rescued food such as produce, bread and non-perishable foods (canned goods, cereal, crackers etc) that are donated from suppliers, farmer markets and others. This service is for residents of Penbrooke, Abbeydale and Applewood. Every Tuesday (unless posted); doors open between 5:00pm-5:30pm Please bring ID to show proof of address and bags to carry food.
1352 Abbeydale Drive SE 403-273-6222
MCC Relief Centre Provides grocery hampers. 403-291-0222
Meals on Wheels Provides doorstep, non-contact delivery during COVID-19. Subsidy program for low income Calgarians. 403-243-2834
Sunrise Provides free bread Monday and Wednesday 10:00am-1:00pm . Please call before dropping in. Call for support with basic needs and referrals.
3303 17 Ave SE 403-204-8280
The Seed Neighbour Centre Provides food bank referrals, Good Food Box, advocacy, computer use, counselling, employment support, community activities. Also provides lunch bags-Halal with vegetarian options. Monday, Wednesday, Friday 11:00 till they run out.
#24, 6060 Memorial Drive NE 403-453-0770
The Alex Community Food Centre Provides lunch-to-go Wednesday 11:30am-1:00pm
Provides frozen meals-to-go (with salad) Friday 10:00am-12:00pm, peer advocates on site. Free community food, gardening and advocacy programs, virtual and in person; registration required. Also provides affordable fresh food market, 2nd and 4th Wednesday of each month. 11:30am-1:00pm 4920 17 Ave SE 403-455-5792
The Victory Foundation Provides food and clothing in emergency situations. Serves daily meals, food hampers, distribution of donated clothing, furniture and kitchen items.
403-387-058
General Information and Assistance
Inform Alberta – Is a province-wide service directory that lists community, health, social, and government services
211 – Is a three-digit phone number and site that connect you to a full range of (non-emergency) community, social, and government service information in Calgary
Calgary Street Survival Guide – Search ‘Street Survival Guide’ – this City of Calgary site lists a variety of shelters, places to find food and clothing, access to various programs, etc. Please follow link.
www.beltline.ca/media/street_survival_guide.pdf
Cultural Human Resources Council – The Cultural Human Resources Council (CHRC) brings together cultural workers and employers to address training, career development and other human resource issues.
Money Mentors – Offer money coaching, debt management information, and credit counselling
CARFAC – Gives information on income tax and insurance for artists also provides information on training, career development, and other human resource issues to cultural workers.
New to Canada – Centre for Newcomers – Is a resource centre for immigrants
Calgary Public Library – Has free internet access with a library card. Eau Claire Market also has free computer access.
Alberta Culture – Culture, status of women, multiculture
The Women’s Centre –Is every woman’s place for support, connections and community; information and access too many programs including a food program, help with housing, health issues, etc.
YWCA – Is dedicated to breaking cycles of family violence, homelessness, and poverty and provides counselling, housing, activities, and information. YWCA 24 hour Crisis Line – 403- 263-1550
The Kerby Centre – Is a community gathering place for seniors (over 55) offering classes, information, programs and services, including a 24-hour crisis line (403-705-3250) and the Kerby Rotary Shelter for older adults in crisis.
Money
Alberta Emergency Financial Response With this program you can apply to cover costs for food, clothing, childcare, transportation, damage deposit and more.
1-877-644-9992
Financial Relief Navigator This tool helps you find out all the benefits you could get.
Transportation
Calgary Transit Offers a subsidized pass to those with low income. Information and applications are available through the following services:
Customer Service Centre 125 7 Ave SE 10:00am-5:30pm Monday-Friday
Bow Parkade 234 7 Ave SW 10:00am-5:30pm Monday-Friday
Calgary Seniors
Calgary Senior’s Resource Society Helps to provide Food/Grocery, toiletries, medications, social support, hamper programs and transportation assistance.
Kerby Centre (55+) The Thrive Program offers seniors Grocery and prescription pick up/delivery service at Co-op.
403-234-6571 403-705-3222
Bag-Half-Full Is a program that offers the following: Free grocery service for people that are unable to leave home due to health or medical reasons, seniors or people with disabilities. Free pick up and delivery of online grocery orders. Free grocery shopping and prescription pickup and delivery.
587-982-3804 403-660-8266
Kids/Youth
Wood’s Homes Is a non-profit children’s mental healh centre that provides treatment and support for children, youth and families with mental health needs. Includes free virtual therapy video sessions with support from a team of professionals, including psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers and family therapists.
Calgary Parks & Recreation Offers fee assistance, subsidies for programs, pools, leisure centres and golf clubs.
403-268-3888
YMCA Calgary Offers fee assistance for memberships, programs, camps and child care. Call your nearest location for more information.
403-237-9622
KidSport Calgary Offers financial and/or equipment for kids to participate in organized sports who are under 18 years of age.
403-202-0251
Girl Guides of Canada: Calgary area This program encourages girls to reach their potential. Financial assistance is available.
403-283-8348
Scouts Canada: Calgary area With adventure and the outdoors combined with educational activities. Financial assistance is available.
403-283-4993
Kids Up Front This program offers free tickets to various events in Calgary. You will need to be referred by one of their partners (including Burns Memorial Fund)
403-444-4318
Canadian Tire JumpStart Provides grants for children to participate in sporting programs.
Between Friends Provides recreational opportunities for individuals with disabilities and social interactions with peers.
YYC Kids Ride (bikes) Donate or pick up a bike and offers free classes about safe bike riding.
Funding Agencies for Individual Artists
Legal resources
Calgary Legal Guidance – Offers free legal assistance to people with low income.
Elizabeth Fry Society of Calgary – Individual and/or group support primarily for women in legal trouble.
Legal Aid Alberta – Services at a reduced cost to persons who need assistance for criminal or civil legal matters.
Pro Bono Law Alberta – Has information about legal resources for low income Albertans, including a library section and comprehensive links section Alberta Law Line – free legal information and resource referrals; legal advice based on financial eligibility – 1-866-845-3425
Materials available
Freecycle Calgary– A place where you can exchange goods for free.
Borrow Me– Is a place to borrow, sell, rent, or give away stuff.
Related Organizations – Regional
Visual Arts Alberta (CARFAC in Alberta) is a visual artists “union” with information, workshops, resources, and access to an insurance plan for artists.
AMAAS (Alberta Media Arts Alliance Society) provides a support network and services for the media arts sector in Alberta: exhibitions, conferences and promotion.
AAARC (Alberta Association of Artist-Run Centres) provides advocacy, networking, and development for artist-run centres in the Alberta region; artist-run centres offer exhibition opportunities and often program practical workshops of interest to artists.
This is My City enriches the lives of the disenfranchised people in its programs, and opens the door for dialogue among all citizens, breaking down stereotypes and affirming common values.
Community Wise Resource Centre is an affordable, inclusive community space for Calgary grass-roots and non-profit organizations, hosting varied programs on arts, community, environment and social justice.
Studio C is a collaborative art centre creating inclusive culture with a studio and gallery open to the public.
Calgary Musicians Association provides its members with services and support to maximize their ability to succeed in the music business.
Benevolent Fund helps musicians in emergency situations.
ACTRA (Alliance of Canadian Cinema, Television and Radio Artists) negotiates, administers and enforces collective agreements to provide performers with equitable compensation as well as safe and reasonable working conditions.
Alberta Dance Alliance is a provincial service organization that is your portal to everything dance related in Alberta; job board, resources, and programs.
Related Organizations – National
Artists Health Centre Foundation Toronto
Canadian Arts Resources Foundation for Ontario (CARFO) should be CARFAC National
Performing Arts Lodges – For seniors only
Related Organizations – U.S-based
Craft Artist Relief Fund – Minnesota
Springboard for the Arts Minnesota
Emergency Artists’ Support League – EASL Texas
Blue Dog Relief Visual Aid San Francisco/Bay area
The Pollock-Krasner Foundation
Ruth Talaber Artists’ Emergency Fund – Through the Chicago Artists’ Coalition, look under ‘services’
Artist Trust Florida
Society for the Arts in Healthcare – Promoting arts as an integral part of healthcare
Benefits for Artists Fractured Atlas – Services to support artists including access to health and liability insurance and microgrants
Healthcare for Artists Massachusetts
Modest Needs not exclusively for artists
