Hope. Service. Well-being.
Calgary Alpha House Society was established in 1981 as a committed response to marginalized individuals who are addicted to alcohol or other drugs and living vulnerable on the streets of Calgary
OUR MISSION
To provide safe and caring environments for individuals whose lives are affected by alcohol and other drug dependencies
OUR Values
We have a strong commitment to the individuals that we serve, the growth and needs of our staff and the impact we have on the community around us. We work with dignity, fortitude, open arms, and we do not give up on people or problems. We value creativity and innovation in our approach to problem solving. We are trail blazers in our community.
OUR VISION
Alpha House is a community-based facility, providing services for those who are under the influence of or withdrawing from alcohol or other drugs and who require assistance in stabilizing their condition
PROGRAM VISION STATEMENTS
DETOX & STABILIZATION
We strive to create a safe and caring environment for the withdrawal management and stabilization of individuals with alcohol or other drug dependencies so as to enhance their quality of life and recovery
SHELTER & OUTREACH
We strive to improve the immediate safety of individuals affected by alcohol or other drug dependencies through outreach, assessment, referrals and community partnerships. We work for the stabilization of individuals where they are at, given their social circumstances that impact their addiction and related mental health issues, and their physical well-being within the context of the mission and purpose of Alpha House
HOUSING
PROGRAMS
We strive to create a safe and caring environment for individuals affected by alcohol and other drug dependencies by supporting a housing first model. We utilize case management skills to address issues specific to achieving permanent housing for our clients and those of our partner agencies
learn more about our work
Our services include a Shelter and Detox facility, Outreach Programs, and Housing Programs with intensive case management. The scope of our work is a direct intersection of homelessness, addiction and mental and physical health issues. We undertake programs to support improving the lives of vulnerable individuals while simultaneously having a positive impact on the broader community through dedicated responses to social issues.
For over 40 years, we have helped people with addictions. Innovation is at the core of what we do as we look to respond to the ever-changing needs of those we serve and the broader community of which we are a part.
Strategic Priorities
Priority #1
Deliver client-centered services with compassion, dignity and respect
Objective #1: To become a Trauma Informed Agency
Objective #2: Increase our understanding and capacity for cultural competency
Objective #3: Further develop the skills, knowledge and qualifications of staff
Objective #4: Work to enhance current services for clients
Priority #2
We are seen as a leader and voice for Vulnerable Populations
Objective #1: Integrate and build purposeful community partnerships and engagements in support of our work
Objective #2: Increase the community’s awareness of our work and the social issues we respond to
Objective #3: Through the use of qualitative and quantitative data, share our story on social returns and community impact of our work
Priority #3
Strengthen and foster the well-being of our employees and volunteers
Objective #1: Provide support to our staff in more diverse ways
Objective #2: Increase employee engagement
Objective #3: Ensure training is consistent, timely, and supportive
Objective #4: Long-term strategies for staff compensation
Priority #4
Ensure the long-term sustainability of the agency through having appropriate infrastructure
Objective #1: Increase diversity in funding sources
Objective #2: Review and adjust as needed, the Agency’s capacity in Data, HR, Financial, and Communications
Objective #3: Explore building ownership and enhance quality working space for all staff
our history
1981
Alpha House receives incorporation under the province of Alberta
1982
Alpha House’s Shelter and Detox programs open. This is a pivotal innovation for clients with alcohol and other addictions.
1985
We institute the team concept of client care with four teams made up of a Shift Supervisor, Senior Recovery Aide and a Recovery Aide
1992
With the help of Royal Canadian Legion No. 1 and Alberta Public Works, we open a women’s dorm of four beds in Detox
1993
We hold our first open Friday night Alcoholics Anonymous meeting. It remains a popular meeting to this day for individuals in the community
2005
- Our Outreach program begins through a partnership with Calgary Urban Project Society (CUPS) called the Downtown Outreach Addictions Partnership (DOAP)
- Alpha House’s main facility begins operating as a 24-hour self-referral facility
- Our Detox addition and Shelter renovation projects are initiated through a Development Permit Application with the City of Calgary
2006 – 2008
With community partnerships, we operate a second shelter known as Alpha2 to meet the increased demand due to winter conditions
2012
Our first 3 permanent-supportive housing programs (Madison Place, Lodging House, and Francis Manor) open
2013
The year of the flood. Our main location was flooded. We responded immediately setting up a temporary shelter. We returned to our main building after a 6 month renovation.
2017
Alpha House’s 1st Alpha House-owned-and operated permanent-supportive housing building opens – an all-Women’s supportive living program
2019
- Our Needle Response Team starts operations and quickly becomes the number one resource for needle debris cleanup in the city
- Alpha House, in partnership with Calgary Transit, launches DOAP Transit, pairing an Alpha House Outreach worker with a Calgary Transit Peace Officer
- Alpha House expands the Encampment Team into Encampment-PAL, pairing an Alpha House Outreach Worker with a Calgary Bylaw Officer
2020
Alpha House takes on operations of the full Lethbridge Stabilization Centre and Shelter
2020 – 2022
Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Alpha House:
- operates 3 temporary overflow shelters to support pandemic restrictions on congregate spaces while continuing to support street-involved individuals
- operates 2 COVID-19 isolation programs (one in Calgary and one in Lethbridge)
- opens a transitional housing program in Sunalta
- operates a transitional housing program in Lethbridge
- starts a recovery coach program as part of our Detox services (Calgary and Lethbridge)
2022
Alpha House begins operating a new outreach program focused on client care and business outreach called The Ambassador Program
2023
- Alpha House transitions out of Lethbridge and the Blood Tribe Department of Health takes on operations of the Shelter and Stabilization Centre
- Alpha House transitions one of its harm reduction supportive housing program to its 1st sober living housing program
2025
- Alpha House began operating a rapid response Encampment and Transitional Housing combined program called The Boreal
Annual Reports
Alpha House acknowledges the people of the Treaty 7 region in Southern Alberta, which includes the traditional territories of the Blackfoot: Siksika, the Piikani, the Kainai, and the Tsuut’ina, and the Stoney Nakoda: Bearspaw, Chiniki and Wesley First Nations. We would also like to note that Calgary is situated on land adjacent to where the Bow River meets the Elbow River, and that the traditional Blackfoot name of this place is “Mohkinstsis” which we now call the City of Calgary. The City of Calgary is also home to Métis Nation of Alberta, Region III.
