About
Our impact
The Need for Mental Health Support in Our Community
Mental health challenges affect a significant portion of the Canadian population. Each year, 1 in 5 Canadians—about 6.7 million people—live with a mental illness, and this number is projected to rise to 8.9 million by 2041. Despite this widespread need, many individuals struggle to access support: of the 5.3 million people who reported needing mental health services, 23% said their needs were only partially met, while 32% reported their needs were not met at all.
In Alberta, the urgency is particularly clear. The rate of suicide is 14.3 deaths per 100,000 people, significantly higher than the national average of 10.9. Half of all suicide deaths in Alberta occur in Edmonton and Calgary, emphasizing the pressing need for accessible, timely, and professional mental health services in our province.
Our Impact
As we look back on 2025, we’re overwhelmed with gratitude for the people who make our work possible — our volunteers, staff, donors, and advocates. Together, we’ve made a significant impact. Here’s what we achieved this year. Read the full report.
crisis contacts
counselling contacts
ConnecTeen contacts
crisis line volunteers
contacts through 211 Alberta
calls diverted from Calgary 911 to community supports
services delivered through our coordinated entry program
housing and shelter services provided
24-hour crisis support program
Our 24-hour crisis support program is essential in bridging this gap—ensuring that anyone experiencing emotional distress, suicidal thoughts, or overwhelming challenges has access to compassionate support at any time of day or night. This immediate access to crisis intervention can save lives, reduce the impact of mental health crises, and provide a vital lifeline to individuals, families, and communities across Alberta.
| 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | |
| # of contacts including ConnecTeen (calls, chats, texts, emails) | 63,084 | 54,038 | 50,569 | 50,720 |
“I kept calling because I realized I didn’t have to face my struggles alone. Distress Centre made a difference in my life when I needed it most. Overcoming my recent mental health battles is my life’s greatest achievement. I didn’t struggle in isolation because I had Distress Centre. This service is incredibly important—not just to me, but to our entire community.”
Crisis counselling program
Our counselling program is designed to respond to this need by offering free, professional counselling to individuals, couples, and families. Through counselling sessions, we ensure that support is available when it’s needed most.
In 2025, our counselling program responded to 1,994 counselling contacts, providing professional counselling support to 373 clients.
211
211 is a 24-hour information and navigation service that connects people to community, social, health, and government resources.
In 2025, 58,546 contacts received support from trained community resource specialists.
Coordinated Entry program
Distress Centre Calgary’s Coordinated Entry program 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.
This program directly provides support beyond system navigation and referral to holistically support housing, health, finances, and community connection.
Mark's Story
“Mark” visited SORCe three times to use the Communications Hub. Mark had a long history with the criminal justice system, experienced multiple and lengthy periods of homelessness, and was currently recovering from a brain injury resulting from a severe assault earlier in the year.
Distress Centre team members assisted Mark in re-initiating AISH, securing temporary accommodation, accessing his personal identification and accessing emergency food support. The team assisted Mark in relocating to another city where he had access to accommodation and support through the community. He left for his new home at the end of July.
The Reality of Homelessness in Our City
Homelessness remains a critical issue in our city. In 2025, the Point-in-Time Count conducted by the Calgary Homeless Foundation found that 2 out of every 1,000 Calgarians were experiencing homelessness. In 2024, the most common reasons for housing loss were insufficient income (35%) and partner-related issues (26%).
These numbers highlight the urgent and complex challenges facing individuals and families in Calgary, underscoring the importance of having a coordinated entry system that connects people with the right supports at the right time.
In 2025, we supported 7,661 people and families in our Coordinated Entry Program, delivering 20,356 services through a coordinated, trauma-informed approach.
cONNECTEEN
Growing up has never been easy, and right now it’s harder than ever. Young people aged 15 to 24 are more likely to experience a mental illness or substance use disorder than any other age group. Many report record levels of anxiety, depression, and isolation. Suicide remains one of the leading causes of death among Canadian youth.
The adult mental health system isn’t always designed with them in mind. Formal services can feel intimidating, unrelatable, or out of reach.
This is why ConnecTeen exists — providing accessible, confidential, and non-judgmental support designed specifically for youth. By reaching out through ConnecTeen, young people can find someone who understands their unique challenges and connects them to hope, safety, and care when they need it most.
In 2025, ConnecTeen reached 6,351 young people through school presentations, events and partnerships.
WITH YOUR SUPPORT NO ONE HAS TO FACE CRISIS ALONE.
We want you to know that your donation is currently supporting someone in crisis. Thank you for your contributions.
