Social disorder is top of mind for Calgarians.
At the DI, we continue to meet new people who have nowhere else to go. And we keep running into the same roadblocks when it comes to helping them find their own home.
The good news is many of the barriers that people are facing can be easily addressed.
Here are three main barriers to a person exiting homelessness and what you can do to help:
1) There is a lack of affordable and deeply affordable rentals.
Accessible, appropriate, and affordable housing is the answer to ending homelessness. Without a home to rent, homelessness will not improve in our community.
If you're a landlord, property manager, or housing provider, we'd love to meet you. Please email us at [email protected].
2) People experiencing homelessness rarely have the financial means to cover housing start up costs like a security deposit or moving costs.
It costs an average of just $1,350 to house a single person, which means you can donate to our Housing Support fund that directly helps a fellow Calgarian secure their way out of homelessness.
You can learn more and donate at calgarydropin.ca/stronger-calgary
3) People staying in emergency shelters rarely have access to household furnishings, even if they do find a suitable place to live.
Without household basics like a mattress, cleaning supplies, and towels, living independently would be uncomfortable and ultimately, unsustainable.
You can donate your gently used furniture and household items at our Free Goods Program. Kindly drop them off at 3640 11a St NE in Calgary. Your donations will go directly to a person exiting homelessness and moving into their own home.
Together, we can build a stronger Calgary.
To build a stronger Calgary, we need more affordable and deeply affordable housing options for everyone.
If you're a landlord, property manager, or housing provider, we would love to connect with you. Please email us at [email protected].
Most people who are ready to live independently can manage the monthly expenses. However, the start up costs are a huge barrier. Not everyone has an extra $1,350 (the average start up cost) in their savings account.
We've set up a Flexible Fund to allow donors to give directly to people needing financial assistance to end their homelessness. Learn more and donate at https://calgarydropin.ca/stronger-calgary
Can you imagine living in an empty apartment?
Our Free Goods Program accepts donations of furniture, households goods, and other items that we provide to people moving out of homelessness and into their new home - at no cost.
We're always seeking donations. Please consider us when you go to donate your gently used furniture and houseware at 3640 11a St NE in Calgary.
As a values-driven agency, the DI is committed to inclusivity and respect for all individuals, regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.
We invite you to join us in celebrating International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia as we educate ourselves, challenge stereotypes, and promote acceptance. Together, we can foster an environment where everyone feels valued, respected, and safe.
Here are some resources available in Calgary that can provide support and guidance:
@yycoutlink@skippingstoneca
The Alex Community Health Centre
LGBTQ+ Community Services Directory: www.calgaryoutlink.ca/resources
#IDAHOTB
๐๐ข๐ง ๐ ๐๐ซ๐๐๐ฆ ๐ ๐๐ญ๐๐ฐ๐๐ฒ ๐ฐ๐ข๐ญ๐ก ๐๐๐ฌ๐ญ๐๐๐ญ! Enter our draw for a chance to win one roundtrip flight for two (2) guests to any WestJet destination โ yes, anywhere they fly!
Every ticket sold helps provide shelter, support, and a path forward for those experiencing homelessness โ and gives you a shot at an exciting prize.
๐๐๐๐๐ฅ๐ ๐ญ๐ข๐๐ค๐๐ญ๐ฌ ๐ฉ๐ซ๐ข๐๐๐ฌ: ๐ ๐๐จ๐ซ $๐๐, ๐ ๐๐จ๐ซ $๐๐, ๐๐ ๐๐จ๐ซ $๐๐, ๐๐ง๐ ๐๐๐ ๐๐จ๐ซ $๐๐๐.
The draw will take place on June 30th at 2pm, and one lucky winner will take home the grand prize!
LINK IN BIO to purchase your tickets now!
Volunteers are needed at the Free Goods Program from May 19th to 26th.
Every donated item helps someone moving out of homelessness turn a space into a home, but we need helping hands to sort and prepare these essential goods for the community.
Just a few hours can make a meaningful impact for someone starting over.
To sign up or learn more, please visit calgarydropin.ca/volunteer
This week, weโre honoured to continue celebrating the incredible individuals and groups behind our Volunteer & Community Partner Awards.
Today, weโre proud to celebrate @sockrocket as the recipient of the Group Legacy Award.
What began in 2016 as a social enterprise and sock subscription program quickly grew into something much bigger, a mission rooted in community impact, dignity, and care. For every pair of socks purchased through Sock Rocket, three pairs are donated to organizations supporting people in need.
Founded by Tommy Zizian, Chief Sock Monger and Founder, Sock Rocket supported just five agencies in its first year, with the Calgary Drop In Centre proudly being one of the very first.
Since then, more than one million pairs of socks have been donated to over 600 agencies across Canada, helping provide comfort and essential items to thousands of people experiencing hardship.
โGiving back means a lot of different things to me,โ says Tom. โItโs fun to see the impact when weโre down there.โ
Tomโs compassion extends far beyond donations. He encourages his team to always keep socks in their vehicles so they can offer them directly to people experiencing homelessness throughout the city, a simple gesture that is always met with gratitude.
Sock Rocketโs generosity, creativity, and unwavering commitment to community have made a lasting impact at the DI and far beyond.
Thank you, Sock Rocket, for helping bring warmth, dignity, and kindness to so many people every single day.
This week, weโre honoured to continue celebrating the incredible individuals and groups behind our Volunteer & Community Partner Awards.
Today, weโre proud to celebrate Ariel Doiny as the recipient of the Individual Legacy Award.
Ariel has been a steadfast supporter of the Calgary Drop-In Centre for many years, consistently showing up for the DI not only as a community partner, but as someone who genuinely believes in the work being done inside our walls.
When asked why someone should give, Arielโs response was simple and direct: โWhy wouldnโt they give? Itโs the right thing to do.โ
He has provided services and support free of charge, donated urgently needed items, advocated for the best possible pricing on essential supplies, and remained responsive whenever operational needs arise. Through it all, Ariel has built a relationship with the DI rooted in transparency, trust, and care.
One comment in particular continues to resonate deeply: โMost people only see whatโs going on outside the DI. Very few people know what you do on the inside โ and what the OTHER side looks like when someone is housed.โ
Arielโs compassion, honesty, and unwavering support have made a meaningful and lasting impact on our organization and the people we serve.
Thank you, Ariel, for standing beside the DI and helping make positive outcomes possible every day.
This week, weโre honoured to continue celebrating the incredible individuals and groups behind our Volunteer & Community Partner Awards.
Today, weโre proud to celebrate @devonandlang as the recipient of the Group Newcomer Award.
For the past several years, Devon & Lang has been a dedicated community partner, quietly making a meaningful impact through the donation of thousands of pairs of underwear. This simple but powerful act helps provide comfort, dignity, and essential support to those who need it most.
Itโs a small gesture that makes a profound difference every single day.
Thank you, Devon & Lang, for your ongoing generosity and commitment to community.
This week, weโre honoured to continue celebrating the incredible individuals and groups behind our Volunteer & Community Partner Awards.
Today, weโre proud to celebrate Mariia Pryimachuk as the recipient of the Individual Newcomer Award.
Since beginning her volunteer journey in January, Mariia has already made a remarkable impact, contributing 95 hours in the kitchen in just a few short months.
Mariia is one of those people who quietly keeps everything moving. Whether she is prepping meals for hundreds of guests, pouring drinks, or taking on the essential task of washing dishes, she approaches every role with care and a willingness to do whatever is needed.
In a fast paced environment, it is often the smallest tasks that make the biggest difference. Mariia shows up with consistency, heart, and a warm smile, helping create a space that runs smoothly and feels welcoming for all.
We are so grateful for everything she brings. It never goes unnoticed. Congratulations, Mariia.
Today, May 5th, we honour Red Dress Day, the National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two Spirit People MMIWG2S+.
At the Calgary Drop-In Centre, we came together in reflection, learning, and remembrance. The day began with a smudging ceremony, followed by the hanging of red dresses in the trees of our courtyard, a powerful visual reminder of the lives lost and the voices that must never be forgotten.
Throughout the day, guests and staff were invited to write messages of hope and remembrance on a red dress, which will be displayed in our front foyer as an ongoing symbol of solidarity and commitment.
We stand with Indigenous communities, families, and survivors. We honour those who are missing, those who have been taken, and those who continue to advocate for justice.
#RedDressDay #MMIWG2S #EveryChildMatters
