Housing-Focused Support
Distress Centre’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.
Services are offered on a walk-in basis at SORCe. Learn more about SORCe Calgary and see how it can help.
Impact Story – Mark
“Mark” visited SORCe 3 times in July 2022 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.
Impact Story – Mark
“Mark” visited SORCe 3 times in July 2022 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.
Where to Find SORCe
Visit Us
SORCe is located on the north side of the City Hall LRT platform at:
#2 – 316 7 Ave SE, Calgary, AB T2G 0J2
WALK-IN HOURS
In 2022, Coordinated Entry served 3,741 unique individuals and families, providing 20,806 unique services.
Coordinated Entry Programs & Services
Coordinated Access and Assessment (CAA) is the primary first point of contact for people experiencing or facing homelessness.
The Safe Communities Opportunity and Resource Centre, or SORCe, is not itself an agency, but rather a multi-agency collaborative. Working out of a single location, agencies work together to connect individuals and families experiencing or facing homelessness with programs and services that can assist them.
When Someone First Enters SORCe
People will be greeted by a System Navigator and Resource Specialist. This person will build rapport, assess areas of need, provide information and connect to resources both at SORCe and in the community.
Housing Strategists
Housing strategists act as the entry point for supportive housing services through the Calgary Homeless Foundation. They’ll complete a Needs and Services questionnaire with the program participant, develop an individualized housing plan, and provide information and navigation support to address other needs and issues.
The Housing Strategists at Distress Centre also provide Housing Strategist Training to community partners, increasing overall coverage in Calgary.
In 2022, 1,474 housing assessments or updates and 9,791 housing check-ins were completed.
260 community partners were supported with training to become Housing Strategists in 2022.
Prevention & Diversion Program
The CAA team’s Prevention & Diversion program is focused on helping individuals at risk of homelessness or who have recently entered into homelessness by connecting them to resources, helping with system navigation, and goal planning to avoid homelessness.
The intention of this program is to keep the experience of homelessness as short as possible, prevent unsheltered homelessness and prevent people from becoming unhoused.
Communications Hub
The CAA team also supports the Communications Hub at SORCe, offering a place for people to access phones and computers. This access is a lifeline for someone who does not have a phone or computer in an increasingly tech-reliant world.
ID Replacement Program
The ID Replacement program assists individuals in obtaining government-issued identification. Having identification allows someone to access benefits and services and is necessary to obtain things like income support, employment and housing.
Collaboration Through SORCe
By bringing together multiple agencies and programs in a single location, SORCe strives to connect each client to all necessary programs and services to address the individual and complex needs of each client that comes in the door.
Learn more about SORCe and the different programs they offer by visiting their website.
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.
Volunteer Spotlight: Laiba
Image: Laiba (middle) with other ConnecTeen volunteers at the 40th Anniversary Celebration in September 2023. Laiba joined Distress Centre as a ConnecTeen volunteer in 2021 when she was 15 years [...]Read More... from Volunteer Spotlight: Laiba
READPartnering to support unhoused individuals through winter
The arrival of spring signals the end of the winter season of the Coordinated Community Extreme Weather Response (CCEWR). For Distress Centre, that means wrapping up our Coordinated Entry work [...]Read More... from Partnering to support unhoused individuals through winter
READ
Meet some of the amazing social workers at DC
March is Social Work Month, the perfect time to spotlight some of the incredible social workers at DC who work in a variety of roles serving individuals and the community. [...]Read More... from Meet some of the amazing social workers at DC
READ
What Is Community Service, What Are the Benefits, & How Can I Contribute?
Community service, in essence, is work that benefits your community, often done without compensation. Engaging in community service not only helps those in need but also fosters a sense of fulfillment and connection within the community. [...]Read More... from What Is Community Service, What Are the Benefits, & How Can I Contribute?
READ
How to Cope with Crippling Anxiety & When to Seek Help
Everyone can experience anxiety differently, but some strategies that may help include mindfulness, meditation, physical exercise, cognitive behavioural therapy, and breathing exercises. If you’re experiencing debilitating panic attacks, finding yourself using substances to cope, or having thoughts of self-harm, it’s time to seek support. [...]Read More... from How to Cope with Crippling Anxiety & When to Seek Help
READ
Why Is Volunteering Important?
Volunteering can be a crucial element of nonprofit organizations that offer essential services in your community, catalyzing positive change, helping those with nowhere else to turn, and offering a plethora of personal and professional benefits for volunteers [...]Read More... from Why Is Volunteering Important?
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 Métis Nation of Alberta, Region 3 within the historical Northwest Métis homeland. Finally, we acknowledge all Nations – Indigenous and non – who live, work and play on this land, and who honour and celebrate this territory.
Help is Here
