With summer just around the corner, Calgary’s social calendar is about to be packed with festivals, events, outdoor attractions, and a ton of visitors. We want to make sure that vulnerable individuals in Calgary do not get forgotten. Alpha House will have additional teams supporting the city over the summer months, and while it’s always important that Calgarians call us when they see someone in need of support at the street level, it’s equally important that the RIGHT calls are coming our way. We are republishing our WHEN DO I CALL THE HELP TEAM information to answer some of the most frequent questions we get about calling the HELP Team.

Just because someone is under the influence and on the streets of Calgary does not mean the HELP Team should be called. Here is your go-to cheat sheet for when to call the HELP Team:

What is the HELP Team?

Formerly DOAP (Downtown Outreach Addiction Partnership) Team was initiated in 2005 to offer a collaborative response to substance use in Calgary communities. Members of the HELP Team travel throughout the City of Calgary to assist individuals on the street (potentially under the influence of drugs or alcohol) who need help navigating shelter, detox, medical services, housing and other programs and resources.

The HELP program actively works to divert socially complex, high needs individuals struggling with addiction issues from law-enforcement responses and unnecessary health care use by bringing them to appropriate services so that presenting issues can be addressed.

Calgarians can contact the HELP Team to support in situations related to homelessness, mental health, and public substance use.

Calling the HELP Team IS the best response when:

  • An unhoused individual in a vulnerable state (likely under the influence) is in need of transportation
  • Highly intoxicated individual is stumbling down the street and/or stepping into traffic
  • An individual having a poor mental health moment/series of moments is in public and appears vulnerable, BUT no criminal activity is occurring and no weapons are involved
  • An unhoused individual is sleeping in the doorway of a business
  • An individual or group of individuals are readying themselves to use substances in a public space

Our work is not enforcement related. We cannot forcibly remove anyone from property. Our role is to provide welfare checks, assess situations, and, ideally, provide transport to a better or safer location based on the needs of the individual(s).

 

Calling the HELP Team is NOT the best response when:

  • An individual is unresponsive (not just sleeping), has blue lips, or is experiencing a suspected overdose
  • A significant physical injury has occurred and requires immediate medical attention
  • An independently housed individual (housed without relying on additional resources to maintain that housing) needs a ride home from the hospital after receiving treatment
  • An individual with access to alternative resources wants a ride to a business or residence
  • An individual under the influence is attacking store front windows and/or trying to break into a residence
  • A weapon or threat of weapon is present

When you call the HELP Team, you will be connected with our Dispatch Operator. Explain the situation as best as you can and they will help determine the best course of action. If you’re looking for more information about our dispatch, check out our short video on 5 things you should know about calling the HELP Team.

If you see someone in need of assistance, you can reach the HELP Team at (403) 998-7388.