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.
DCC Stories of Hope: Taylor and 211
Amid the chaos and uncertainty, Taylor* found comfort on the other end of the line. After being transferred from 911 to the 211 co-location team, Taylor shared their story with [...]Read More... from DCC Stories of Hope: Taylor and 211
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Veterans and Mental Health
As Remembrance Day approaches, we honour the courage and sacrifices of those who have served. But beyond the ceremonies and moments of silence, it’s important to recognize the ongoing mental [...]Read More... from Veterans and Mental Health
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Donor Spotlight: Alberta Law Foundation
A $243,690 grant from Alberta Law Foundation supports Distress Centre Calgary's Justice System Initiative, helping Calgarians overcome critical legal barriers. [...]Read More... from Donor Spotlight: Alberta Law Foundation
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DCC Stories of Hope: Maria and our crisis line
Maria*, a concerned mother, called Distress Centre’s crisis line, her voice trembling with fear. Her 7-year-old son had experienced trauma, leaving her family feeling lost. As a result, she was [...]Read More... from DCC Stories of Hope: Maria and our crisis line
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DCC Stories of Hope: Jack and the Hub
This story is about a man named Jack* who had fallen on hard times. Jack was a rough sleeper, struggling to navigate the complexities of obtaining Income Support. Despite many [...]Read More... from DCC Stories of Hope: Jack and the Hub
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DCC’s Housing and Communications Hub: An Essential Service
Did you know about our Housing and Communications Hub? It’s a space where Calgary’s most vulnerable can access technology and assistance to support their housing, health, and wellness goals. Many facing [...]Read More... from DCC’s Housing and Communications Hub: An Essential Service
READOur Impact Funders
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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.
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