Improving Calgarians’ wellbeing through Distress Centre’s Communications Hub at SORCe
We are excited to announce the City of Calgary’s support of our Communications Hub! This Hub is a space offering access to technology and personalized support through our staff. This initiative, started in 2021, is a lifeline for someone who does not have a phone or computer in an increasingly tech-reliant world.
Calgarians come into the Hub for various reasons, and our staff are there to support them from crisis through regaining stability and rebuilding their lives. Whether they need help accessing government support programs, searching for housing, exploring detox and treatment options, or simply staying connected with support workers, family, and friends, we provide the guidance and resources they need to achieve their goals.
The grant supports a full-time Hub Coordinator role, who plans and organizes weekly workshops on housing, employment, and financial literacy.
In addition, it allows us to hire a Peer Engagement Specialist, who will provide daily peer support through times of crisis to stability. They will foster trust and advocate for our program participants’ needs through structured sessions and workshops.
With this funding, the Communications Hub can provide more specialized support, including targeted clinics on tax preparation, employment assistance, and other essential services. These workshops help vulnerable individuals move from crisis to stability by connecting them with government services and equipping them with the tools needed for long-term success.
The Hub’s Impact
In 2024 alone, the Hub has served 1,075 unique individuals or families, providing over 3,200 unique services.
Maia, our System and Navigator and Resource Specialist who has been working at the Hub since 2023 shares the profound impact the Communications Hub has had on our program participants:
“The Communication Hub is a valuable part of our program participants’ journeys to achieving their goals and improving their well-being. As our world becomes more reliant on technology for everyday tasks, it’s more important than ever to have spaces with barrier-free access to technology. This need became even more acute during the Calgary Public Library’s security breach this past fall, which increased the need for the Hub’s services.
“Because of this access to phones and computers people in the Hub have been able to get approved for Income Support, obtain employment, and start new beginnings in treatment and housing.”
Maia adds that beyond technology access, the Hub’s greatest impact comes from the support of Distress Centre staff. Many people who come to the Hub have little to no computer experience and need hands-on guidance to navigate applications and digital tools. This support, often unavailable elsewhere, helps them move forward in meaningful ways. The Hub also offers a safe, quiet space for connecting with resources, staff, and the other programs available at the SORCe location. This makes it a vital part of many of program participants’ daily and weekly routines as they work toward their goals.
For many, like Jack, the Hub has been a pivotal resource, helping them overcome crisis and regain stability.
Thank you, City of Calgary!
This funding will make a tangible difference in the lives of those who rely on the Communications Hub. On behalf of our staff, volunteers, and the people we serve, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to the City of Calgary for investing in a more inclusive and supportive community.
