The “Why” of Distress Centre
Our team at Distress Centre Calgary is passionate and committed to creating an inclusive environment built around protecting, caring for, and helping others. We take pride in being here to help people, whether they’re facing depression or having financial issues, and strive to protect those who are more vulnerable and less fortunate.
Whether you’re having relationship issues, need someone to talk to, are a victim of abuse, or are struggling with suicidal thoughts, we are here for you.
The services we provide are all a part of our “Why”—what gets us out of bed in the morning is being able to help the people of our community that are in need.
About Us at Distress Centre Calgary
Our team at Distress Centre Calgary (DCC) provides a variety of services, including 24-hour crisis support, professional counselling, youth peer support, and navigation and referrals through 211 and our programs at SORCe—all at no cost.
For over 50 years, Distress Centre has always been about helping people in need, and our mission is to provide compassionate, accessible crisis and navigation support that enhances the health, well-being and resiliency of individuals in distress.
We strive to instill a sense of belonging and ensure everyone is heard and has a place to turn to in times of crisis.
Service to others, excellence, volunteerism, integrity, collaboration, innovation, and leadership are the heart of Distress Centre, and we take pride in being here for our community.
We have 24 hour phone, text, chat.
24 Hour Crisis Support
We provide 24 hour crisis support by phone, text and chat to Calgary and Southern Alberta. Youth support is provided through our ConnecTeen youth program.
211
211 allows us to access an entire network of community, social, health and government services to better help Calgarians and extends to all of Alberta.
Crisis Counselling
Crisis counselling is a way for us to help with more complex issues, and our professional crisis counsellors provide free counselling for individuals, couples, and families.
Coordinated Entry
The Coordinated Entry team provides multiple programs and services at the location of SORCe. All aspects of the program use a housing-focused approach to support people experiencing or facing homelessness
164,000+
connections in 2024
274
Volunteers
Countless
Lives Impacted
Some Stats to Explore
164,780 contacts in 2024, 274 volunteers
50,569 crisis connections (chats, calls, texts) made, including 2,843 ConnecTeen contacts
In 2024, Distress Centre answered 19,744 contacts on behalf of partner agencies, like the Family Violence Information Line
18,737 interactions through our Coordinated Entry program, helping people facing or experiencing homelessness
59,183 calls, chats, and texts to our 211 information and navigation service, including 8,479 contacts through our call-diversion work
In 2024, Distress Centre had 2,420 total counselling contacts
13,256 calls and texts answered for the 9-8-8 Suicide Crisis Helpline
Upcoming Events
August 31
Rogers Birdies for Kids Presented by Altalink
Rogers Birdies for Kids presented by Altalink is on! Increase your impact for youth in our community by donating and having it matched up to 50%! Your donation through Birdies [...]Read More... from Rogers Birdies for Kids Presented by Altalink
May 10
Darkness Into Light Calgary 2025
Darkness Into Light Calgary has supported and raised over $79,500 for those struggling in our community for over 10 years. Step into the light with us on May 10th, Saturday, [...]
May 25
Support DCC in the upcoming Calgary Marathon
We’re thrilled to be an official charity partner of the Calgary Marathon on May 25, 2025 once again! Lace up your running shoes and go the distance for Distress Centre [...]Read More... from Support DCC in the upcoming Calgary Marathon
Opportunities to Help
Our volunteer opportunities allow you to provide support in various ways, including over the phone and via chat, text, or email. We also provide extensive practical and ongoing training.
As Calgary’s only 24-hour crisis agency, we are often the first point of contact for those seeking help. Make a career out of making a difference!
Distress Centre is committed to furthering the field of social work, and we view practicum students as a great asset to our team. Practicum opportunities exist year-round within the Crisis Line Program and Counselling Program, along with other opportunities.
Check Out Our Blog
Explore what’s new in the community and important updates from Distress Centre.
From Overwhelmed to Supported: The Reality of Crisis Intervention
Life is full of ups and downs, but sometimes an event can feel like an insurmountable obstacle. This is what we call a crisis. It is not just stress, an [...]Read More... from From Overwhelmed to Supported: The Reality of Crisis Intervention
READMeet Crystal: 15 Years at DCC!
Meet Crystal, our Contact Centre Coordinator and 211 Information and Referral Specialist. In 2024, Crystal celebrated a very exciting milestone: 15 years at DCC! We sat down with Crystal to [...]Read More... from Meet Crystal: 15 Years at DCC!
READ
Donor Spotlight: The City of Calgary
A $243,690 grant from Alberta Law Foundation supports Distress Centre Calgary's Justice System Initiative, helping Calgarians overcome critical legal barriers. [...]Read More... from Donor Spotlight: The City of Calgary
READ
211 Celebrates 20 Years in Calgary
211 is celebrating an exciting milestone in 2025: For 20 years, 211 has been a trusted lifeline in Calgary, helping individuals and families connect to essential resources with confidence. In [...]Read More... from 211 Celebrates 20 Years in Calgary
READ
Why Talking About Mental Health Matters: Bell Let’s Talk Day
Today is Bell Let’s Talk Day! A day to encourage conversation around the still stigmatized topic of mental health. For Bell Let’s Talk Day, we asked our trained responders and [...]Read More... from Why Talking About Mental Health Matters: Bell Let’s Talk Day
READ
Highlights from 2024: What we Achieved Together
Photo: Members of the DCC team at the United Way Kick-Off in September. As we look back on 2024, we’re overwhelmed with gratitude for the people who make our work [...]Read More... from Highlights from 2024: What we Achieved Together
READOur Impact Funders
we want you to know that your donation is currently supporting someone in crisis. thank you for your contributions.
Subscribe to Our Newsletter
FIND US
Email: info@distresscentre.com24-Hour Crisis Line: 403-266-4357
Main Office: 403-266-1601
Youth Program Office: 403-264-8337
Calgary, AB T2R 1J5 | View Map
Charitable Registration Number:
107021024RR0001
In the spirit of respect, reciprocity and truth, Distress Centre Calgary would like to honour and acknowledge Moh’kinsstis, and the traditional Treaty 7 territory and oral practices of the Blackfoot confederacy: Siksika, Kainai, Piikani, as well as the Îyâxe Nakoda and Tsuut’ina nations. We acknowledge that this territory is home to the Otipemisiwak Métis Government of the Métis Nation within Alberta Districts 5 and 6. Finally, we acknowledge all Nations – Indigenous and non – who live, work and play on this land, and who honour and celebrate this territory.
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