Bridging Gaps for Better Outcomes
Imagine you’re in a vulnerable state, and your world has just turned upside down.
This is the reality for too many individuals, and it doesn’t have to be this way. With the Calgary Community Information Exchange (CIE), we are changing that.
You need help from one of Calgary’s services, but instead of getting help right away, you’re forced to tell your personal story over and over again to different service workers, retraumatizing you each time.
The CIE is all about better sharing and better caring. Your sensitive information will move between services with you to ensure more reliable support.
In other words, by ensuring that services communicate and share information, you won’t have to tell your story repeatedly to receive help.
What is the CIE?
The CIE makes it easier for services to work together by using shared tools, a common resource database, and secure technology. This helps create a more efficient and fair experience for people who need support so they spend less time navigating the system and more time getting the help they need.
The CIE is currently in testing and is anticipated to launch in Calgary in the fall of 2025.
The CIE directly benefits the Calgary community through:
- Better experiences for individuals
People no longer have to repeat their story over and over. Instead, services are connected and work together, so individuals get the right help, from the right places, at the right time.
- Smarter collaboration across services
Organizations can work together using one shared platform, meaning everyone involved in someone’s care can see the full picture and work together to provide support that’s complete, connected, and centered on the person.
- Data-informed decisions for better results
Real-time information help funders and decision-making to better understand community needs. This helps them use resources more fairly and effectively — closing gaps and improving outcomes.
Breaking down barriers
The CIE helps identify and address the systemic barriers that stop people—especially those in marginalized communities—from getting the support they need. It’s a step toward more equal and inclusive care for everyone.
How the CIE Works
The process is simple — and powerful.
- Consent: A person agrees to have their information shared through the CIE.
- Connection: Their details are securely added to a shared digital platform, CareSuite.
- Collaboration: Agencies across sectors—from housing to mental health—can view, update, and coordinate care in real time.
- Care: Instead of being bounced between systems, the person gets a unified, responsive, and dignified experience.
This is care that works with people, not against them.
Chris’ Story: Before and After the CIE
Please note: This is a fictional story to demonstrate the potential impact of the CIE.
Before CIE
Chris, 25, was trying to find housing and health support. In just two days, he contacted 8 different services—shelters, hospitals, crisis teams. But none of them were connected. He had to relive his trauma, complete the same intake forms, and manage his own case across disconnected systems. Despite his effort, Chris was left feeling overwhelmed and unsupported.
After CIE
When Chris consented to join the CIE, everything changed. Now, each provider —CUPS, The Alex, SORCe, and others — had access to the information Chris consented to share. They coordinated appointments, pre-filled forms, and worked together to build a personalized care plan. Chris didn’t fall through the cracks. He was seen, supported, and finally on a path forward.
Partnership
Distress Centre Calgary is the lead agency for the CIE. But we do not work alone. Our partners make the CIE possible.
Investment Partner
- Thank you to the Calgary Foundation generously investing $1,000,000 into the CIE over two years. Thanks to their generous support, the CIE is well-positioned to make a difference across the Calgary community
- Government of Alberta
- United Way Calgary
- City of Calgary – Community Safety Investment Framework
Partners
The following partners bring a unique combination of expertise, community presence, and resources necessary to achieve the goals of the CIE.
- YW Calgary
- 211 LA
- Action Dignity
- Alberta Health Services
- The Alex Community Health Centre
- Brightsquid
- Calgary Homeless Foundation
- Calgary Police Services
- Calgary Urban Project Society (CUPS)
- City of Calgary
- Inn From the Cold
- Kindred Connections Society
- Ladies in the Family Foundation
- Lionheart Foundation
- PolicyWise
- United Way of Calgary and Area
Get Involved
Join Us in Building a More Connected System of Care
Your investment in the Community Information Exchange (CIE) benefits the social, health, and government sector across Calgary. By supporting technology integration and capacity-building, you’ll strengthen collaboration among frontline agencies, reduce duplication, and ensure individuals and families receive the coordinated care they need—when and where they need it most.
Your support creates lasting impact for all agencies serving people who rely on multiple services. Contact us to learn more.
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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