211
Community Navigation
Free, Confidential,
24/7 Support
Contact 211 to gain access to a broad network of community, social, health, and government services. Your call, text, or chat will be answered by a professional 211 community resource specialist who is trained to assess your needs and refer you to the appropriate service(s).
211 services are available across Alberta and can help in over 170 languages over the phone.
If you’re experiencing an emergency, please call 911.
Ways to contact 211
Call 2-1-1
Text info to 211
chat with 211
911 Call Diversion
Transforming Crisis Response
In 2022, Distress Centre Calgary, Calgary Police Service and Calgary 911 partnered to launch the 911 call diversion program to better serve the community.
Some calls, while urgent and distressing, don’t require a 911 response. Responders direct these calls to 211, where people can speak with a live responder who provides immediate support and links them to the right services. This collaborative approach ensures Calgarians receive timely and appropriate help, whether through emergency response or community support.
Basic Needs Fund
The Basic Needs Fund (BNF) is an emergency financial assistance fund, intended to help Calgarians and residents of nearby communities out of an unforeseen, unexpected financial crisis. Support may include help with rental arrears, eviction and disconnection notices, first month’s rent, damage deposits, or unexpected medical expenses.
The BNF is a collaborative initiative between Distress Centre Calgary, CUPS, and Rise Calgary.
To be eligible for the Basic Needs Fund, you must:
- Reside in Calgary, Alberta or surrounding area
- Be sustainable or have a plan of sustainability in place. Sustainability means your monthly budget is sufficient to cover your expenses under normal circumstances
- Not have accessed the fund in the past 12 month
Call 211 to apply for the Basic Needs Fund.
Accreditation
211 Calgary is accredited by Inform USA.
