Activities and Programs:

Quilting, Carpet bowling, Oil Painting, Table tennis, Men’s Pool, Spanish lessons, Games night, Pot luck and Pizza lunch, FIT TO AGE, Move & Mingle, Zumba, Yoga, Happy Hour

To consider: Location, Annual membership fee (35$), and small fee for pot luck and pizza lunch. Mow & Snow program and housekeeping program are not free but affordable for low income seniors. 

Location and contact: 

Address 2102 69 Avenue SE, Calgary

403-279-2003

programs@ogden50plus.org

https://ogden50plus.org/

The Kerby Centre has a multitude of programs, course, presentation, and place where seniors can meet and connect. Kerby Centre is more than a recreational building. Services available at the Kerby Center are well rounded, and offer help to seniors, to their family, and to professionals who need guidance in multitude of issues seniors often face.

Activities and Programs:

Fitness program such as baler, tai chi, gentle sitting yoga, and Zumba to name a few.  Kerby Centre is part of a collaboration to respond to allegations of elder abuse called Elder Abuse Respond Team (EART). 

Services:

Seniors information and referrals: includes Assistance with filling form, assistance assessing government benefit, community referrals, legal assistance, tax help, help finding helpful contractors for house work and repairs. The housing information and referral department offer a consultation for a multitude of level of housing such as: subsidized housing and designated supportive living, help with filling application, and a commissioner for Oaths is equally available. 

To consider: Not all programs are free. The membership is 25 dollars, which offers discounts from programs, events, and at the foot clinic. It’s an extra 5 dollars on top of the membership for parking. 

Location and contact:                                                

1133–7 Avenue S.W. Calgary

(403) 265-0661

generaloffice@kerbycentre.com
https://www.kerbycentre.com/support-services/elder-abuse-response-team/ 

The City of Calgary is an essential hub for seniors in the city. Seniors who do not know where to go and get assistance can start with calling 211 for community resources and 811 for health care related information. 

Services:

Low income seniors can apply for the Fair Entry program which gives the seniors access to a multitude of subsidized program through the city of Calgary such as, transit passes, a recreation fee assistance card, no cost spay/neuter, senior services home maintenance and property tax assistance program. The city also provides information for safety and elder abuse in 10 other languages, and in English as well.

To consider: Seniors who are not low-income can still benefit from some resources at the City of Calgary. Paid programs and activities and transportation is available to all seniors. 211 and 811 is available to all Calgarians. 

Location:

Various locations

311

https://www.calgary.ca/csps/cns/seniors/seniors-programs-services.html

The Elder Law Program at Calgary Legal Guidance assist seniors with a variety of law related issues and matters. The program empowers seniors to live independently and believes in the self-determination of seniors. This service is important because of the vulnerability of some seniors. Seniors may be used and manipulated financially by family members. Having a safe and trustworthy program that helps seniors navigate the legal system is important.

Services:

CLG offers help, support and information about power of attorney, personal directive, wills and estate planning, and elder abuse. CLG also offers presentations to organizations about legal matters involving seniors. 

To consider: CLG offers free services for low income seniors and can connect seniors to other helpful services. Seniors who do not qualify for Legal Aid can also get assistance from CLG.

Location and contact:

100, 840 –7 Avenue SW, Calgary

403.234.926

clg.ab.ca

Vulnerable seniors have access to a multitude of resources. Sometimes it is just a matter of connecting a senior to the right resource. Seniors can also find resources on the internet, by contacting 211, or from word of mouth. But, some resources require referrals and some seniors in crisis may not know where to find the help they need. Spinz-A-Round (food), Hoziron Housing, Aids to daily living, AHS Community care access are all example of services available to seniors only through referrals.  This is why Calgary Seniors’ Resource Society is important. They have variety of services offered through trained volunteers and also a community outreach services and an emergency social work response. 

Services:

Drop-in hours, form clinic, crisis line (can connect seniors and their families to long-term support), programs offered by volunteers (shopping trips, friendly check-ins, essential transportation…). Tailored in-person training on issues affecting seniors, how to recognize issues and how to help. In-person training for seniors about fraud and financial abuse. 

To consider: Senior must live in Calgary, be 65+, and have limited social support. Income qualifier has been removed but It may be a temporary change due to the covid-19 pandemic. 

Location and contact:

3639 26th St NE, Calgary

403.266.6200

info@calgaryseniors.org
https://www.calgaryseniors.org/

Silvera for Seniors a wide selection of housing for seniors who live independently. The organization has different level of services in their facilities, and different income criteria. Some units rents are based on the senior’s income, and some are not subsidized but offer below rate market rent. 

Services (Varies per location):

Meals, weekly shopping trips, laundry services, included utilities, included basic cable, housekeeping services, social elements, 24hr staff.

To consider: online application requires some technological knowledge, forms for the senior and their health provider, and proof of income. Silvera for Seniors may not always have immediate vacancies. 

Location and contact:

#804, 7015 Macleod Trail SW, Calgary

403-276-5541

www.silvera.ca

Email: contact@silvera.ca

To Consider: Clients need to be referred by a professional to the program. Cases are access on a case-by-case basis. The crown prosecutors must approve the diversion. 

Location and contact:

420 9 Avenue SE, Calgary

403-410-1132

Locations across Alberta
https://informalberta.ca/public/service/serviceProfileStyled.do?serviceQueryId=1075108

CMHA believes is mental health for all. The association aims to reduce the impact of mental illness in society through various services and programs. 

Programs: Community education, family support, peer support services, Recovery College, street outreach and stabilization program, suicide bereavement support, and welcome centre.

To consider: Offers services and learning opportunities for youths. CMHA offers a varietyof programs and services, contact 403-297-1700 for help. 

Location and contact:

105 - 1040 7 Avenue SW, Calgary403-297-1700

info@cmha.calgary.ab.ca

http://cmha.calgary.ab.ca/

Aventa believes in healthy women equals healthy family.  Aventa offers trauma informed and gender specific treatment programs. Aventa takes time to address each women unique circumstances through various treatment plans and on site activities.

Programs and services: Group focused counselling, individualized treatment planning and recovery goals, introduction to Peer Support recovery meetings and reintegration into the community, education, support and connection to community resources, a residential setting with 24 hours staffing which provide structure, recreation, and development of interpersonal skills, shared accommodations for safety and role modelling, nutritious meals and snacks.

To consider: Priority given to pregnant women because of the risk of FADS. Individuals need to meet the admission criteria such as abstinence from drugs or alcohol for 5 days.

Location contact:

610 25 Avenue SW, Calgary

403-245-9050

info@aventa.org
https://aventa.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Aventa-Program-Overview-Sept-2020.pdf

Men face unique challenges when relationships breakdown. The CCMF provides a place for men and their children to address their unique needs and improve their lives and the lives of their children.  Programs are developed with a Registered Psychologist and are individualized based on each client’s needs. 

Programs: Buddy-Coach, counselling, domestic abuse recovery program, legal assistance and resource program, men’s peer support group, and mindfulness program. 

To consider: Does not provide immediate crisis support. It takes 3-4 days for an intake agent to contact you. 

Location and contact: 

4610 Bowness Road NW, Calgary

587-885-2839             

info@ccmfalberta.ca
https://menandfamilies.org/

The Calgary Counselling Centre offers a no wait-list researched based quality counselling. This type of service is important because we may need counselling without being in crisis. Counselling is individualized and goal oriented. 

Services: One on one counseling sessions and group counselling. 

To consider: Offers affordable counselling based on the client’s income. 

Location:

Register online or by phone

833.827.4229

https://calgarycounselling.com/counselling

The Calgary Counselling Centre offers a no wait-list researched based quality counselling. This type of service is important because we may need counselling without being in crisis. Counselling is individualized and goal oriented. 

Services: One on one counseling sessions and group counselling. 

To consider: Offers affordable counselling based on the client’s income. 

Location and contact:

Main Office: 403-266-1601
info@distresscentre.com

https://www.distresscentre.com/need-help/

24-Hour support: 403-266-4357

For people living with a low income, rents often a large amount of their income making others bills and have responsibilities that are hard to pay. Places like forward housing based their rent of 30% of the individual’s income or family income.  Also, Forward Housing provides housing for diverse Calgarians with different needs and income, therefore, reducing stigma and enhancing resident’s quality of life.

Services seniors and low income Calgarians. 

To consider: Affordable housing can have long wait lists.  Electricity is fixed at 50 dollars a month. Security deposit is required.

Location:

# 510 1540 Northmount Dr. NW. Calgary

403-282-6565

info@forwardhousing.ca

https://forwardhousing.ca 

There are various ways the Government of Alberta can help with income support and subsidies.  The government offers other emergency short term support and long-term support. 

Services and Programs: Family support for children with disabilities, Income support, Alberta Adult and Child Health Benefit, Alberta Aids to daily living, AISH, child care subsidy program, CDSS, employment, career & training information services, homeless support, and protection from abuse.

To consider: Website may be hard to navigate for some. 

Location:

https://myalbertasupports.alberta.ca/CitizenPortal/application.do#

https://www.alberta.ca/index.aspx

https://informalberta.ca/public/service/serviceProfileStyled.do?serviceQueryId=1050553

CUPS provide programs and services that meet low-income Calgarians’ various needs. CUPS believe in building resiliency, breaking the cycle of poverty, and lasting changes. It is very hard to get out of poverty, therefore agency like CUPS is important to help give a lift up to struggling individuals and families. 

Program and services: Health services, developmental resources, economic support and, social and emotional supports. 

To consider: Location (transportation is available)

Location and contact: 

1001, 10 Ave SW Calgary

403-221-8780

info@cupscalgary.com

https://www.cupscalgary.com/

The Calgary Food Banks is known for food hampers, but the agency also collaborates with other agencies to end food insecurities and refer clients to other community resources. The food bank is important because no one should go hungry. 

Programs: Emergency food hampers, food link program (provides foods to other organizations), Weekends and more (Provides hampers for 3 days of food to students in need), and hampers for the homeless.

To consider: Referral and intervals between hampers need to be considered. Transportation. 

Location and contact:

5000 11 Street SE, Calgary

403-253-2059

Info@calgaryfoodbank.com

https://www.calgaryfoodbank.com/needfood/

Programs: Grants for registration fees and equipment at no cost. 

To consider: Kids must be already enrolled. Limited to 300$ per year, per child. 

Location:

3555 52nd Street SE, Calgary

kidsport@kidsportcalgary.ca

403-202-0251

https://kidsportcanada.ca/alberta/calgary/apply-for-a-grant/

Low-income individuals and families may not always know where to start or what is available to help them in their communities. Agencies like SORce are an important hub that connects families with a multiple agencies. The agency’s target population are individuals who are experiencing, or at risk of homelessness.  SOrce believes in housing first and inclusivity. 

To consider: only offers walk-ins

Agencies at SORce: AHS, Alberta Justice and Solicitor General, Calgary Catholic Immigration Society, Calgary Police Services, Calgary Public Library, Distress Centre Calgary, The Calgary Drop-in and Rehab Centre, Inn from the Cold, and Woods Homes. 

Location:

#2 - 316 7 Ave SE, Calgary

587-779-5015
https://sorcecalgary.ca/