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.

 

John’s story is one of resilience, determination, and how a second chance can transform a life. John currently resides at Providence House, our sober-living place-based housing building. John’s journey to recovery wasn’t a straight line but, with genuine support, motivation, and perseverance, he is now housed, sober, and looking forward to spending time doing the things he loves. We wanted to hear more from John about his story and his insights on what it takes to break through and achieve sobriety, and how Providence House was able to support his journey.

Q: What motivated you to start your sobriety journey?

A: I was tired of living in survival mode, constantly looking over my shoulder and not knowing where I was going to sleep or what I was going to eat next. Getting into Providence House gave me the opportunity to get off the streets, but I knew I couldn’t just be there physically—I had to be mentally and emotionally present too. To keep my housing, I had to commit to making some big changes.

Health was another major motivator. About five years ago, I had all of my toes amputated due to complications from rough sleeping in the winter. The frostbite from those nights on the streets took its toll on my body, and losing those toes was a huge wake-up call. I realized that I couldn’t keep living the way I had been. The physical pain and the reminder of what I had lost were enough to make me see that if I didn’t make a serious change, I was going to keep losing more—maybe my health, maybe even my life.

I didn’t want to go through that again. I wanted more for myself. I knew I deserved more than the life I had been living, and I was ready to take a step toward something better. Sobriety became the first step to that life—because I couldn’t expect my life to improve if I kept using. I knew that I had to make sobriety a priority if I wanted to rebuild my life and take care of my health, my relationships, and most importantly, myself.

Q: What support systems or resources were most helpful to you / How did the Providence program or team support you in your journey?

A: Alpha House Shelter, Detox, and Outreach Services were crucial in the beginning, especially with getting my NSQ (Needs and Services Questionnaire) done and helping me get into Detox. The staff at the Drop-in Center were also incredibly helpful in those early stages. They provided guidance and support when I was at a low point, making sure I had the resources I needed to get into detox and start working on my recovery.

Providence House played a huge role in both my recovery and my relapses. When I moved in, I was still struggling, and my first month was rough. I relapsed three times, but the staff didn’t give up on me. They were patient, understanding, and supportive. They kept me on track by doing weekly toxicology testing, which helped me stay accountable. Even when I slipped, they didn’t push me away—instead, they kept encouraging me to stay engaged in the programming they offered, which gave me the structure I needed.

At treatment, I finally got the help I needed to face some of the deeper issues I had been avoiding. It was a tough process, but it was necessary. The support I received from Providence House during my relapses was critical—they didn’t just watch me fail; they were there to pick me up and guide me toward the help I needed. Without their support and the resources they connected me to, I don’t think I would have made it this far in my journey.

Q: How has your life changed since you became sober?

A: One of the biggest improvements has been in my health. I’m actually making progress in taking care of my health problems now, and I’m eating healthier than I ever have. That’s something I never really focused on before, but sobriety has given me the clarity and energy to start making better choices for myself.

Another major change is that I’m financially stable now. Along with the help of the staff at Providence, I’ve been able to receive income support through AISH, which has been a huge relief. I don’t have to worry about where my next meal is coming from or how I’m going to pay rent. Stability has allowed me to focus on my recovery without the constant stress of survival. I see the chaos that others around me are still going through, and I’m grateful that I’m no longer living that way. I no longer feel trapped in that survival mode, and it’s a huge weight lifted off my shoulders.

Sobriety has allowed me to stop just surviving and start thriving. It’s a completely different mindset than I had before. I feel like I’m building a life, not just trying to get through each day. I’ve got hope and excitement for the future, and that’s something I didn’t have before.

Q: What activities or habits have you found beneficial in maintaining your sobriety?

A: One of the most important has been attending 12-Step meetings. They’ve given me a space to share my experiences, hear others’ stories, and stay connected to the recovery community. The meetings help me keep my focus on my sobriety and give me tools to handle life’s challenges without turning back to old habits.

Another key part of my sobriety is the relationship I’ve built with my sponsor. We meet regularly for coffee, and having that one-on-one connection has been a game changer. My sponsor provides guidance, advice, and support when I’m struggling. It’s comforting to know I have someone who’s been through the process and understands what I’m going through. That support has been invaluable in my recovery.

Additionally, the connections I’ve made with other participants at Providence House have been essential. We share similar experiences, and it’s been so helpful to lean on each other when times get tough. Having that sense of community has made a huge difference in staying motivated and focused on my sobriety. Whether it’s talking through struggles or celebrating milestones, the relationships I’ve built here are something I truly value.

Q: How do you celebrate your milestones and successes along the way?

A: To be honest, I don’t really like to make a big deal out of milestones. I prefer to focus on taking it one day at a time. That said, I do celebrate my progress in a quiet way. For example, when I reach certain milestones in my sobriety, I take chips at AA, which is a meaningful way for me to acknowledge the work I’ve put in and the progress I’ve made. But beyond that, I don’t need a huge celebration. I’m more focused on the daily grind, making sure I stay sober and continue working on myself. Each day sober is a victory in itself, and that’s something I try to remember and appreciate. For me, it’s about the long-term journey, not just the big moments along the way.

Q: What advice would you give to someone who is just starting their recovery journey?

A: My advice would be to keep coming back, even on the days when you feel discouraged or like you’re not making progress. Recovery isn’t always linear, and there will be tough days, but the important thing is to show up. Keep going to your meetings, keep reaching out for support, and don’t give up on yourself.

Also, try not to fight the people who are trying to help you. It’s easy to get defensive or think you know better, but the people around you—whether it’s staff, a sponsor, or other residents—are there to help guide you. They’ve been through it themselves and want to see you succeed. Trust in the process, even when it feels hard or uncomfortable. The people who care about your recovery are there because they want you to have a better life. Take their advice and give yourself the chance to heal.

Another important thing is to find purpose or a hobby that keeps you engaged. It can be something small to start with, but having something to focus on outside of recovery can make a big difference. Whether it’s learning a new skill, exploring a creative outlet, or just finding something you enjoy, it helps you build a life beyond addiction and gives you something to look forward to. Finding that sense of purpose can be a huge motivator in your journey to stay sober.

Q: Have you discovered any new interests or passions during your recovery?

A: One of the newest interests I’ve discovered during my recovery is online gaming. It’s something I never really got into before, but now I find it both enjoyable and relaxing. I love the challenge of the games, but what I really enjoy is meeting people from all over the world. It’s amazing how gaming can connect people from different backgrounds and cultures, and I’ve made some great friendships through it. It gives me a sense of community outside of recovery, and it’s a fun way to unwind. It’s also a way for me to stay engaged and distracted, especially on tough days. Having this new hobby has really helped me find balance and keeps me motivated to keep moving forward in my sobriety.

Q: How do you stay positive and motivated on difficult days?

A: In the beginning, it was really tough. There were days when I didn’t think I could keep going, but I relied heavily on my peers and my sponsor for support. Having people around who understood what I was going through made a huge difference. We would talk, share our struggles, and encourage each other to keep going.

The environment I was in during early recovery also played a big role in helping me stay motivated. I found that being in a more restrictive environment, like detox and treatment, was especially beneficial for me. It forced me to focus on myself and my recovery, without the distractions of the outside world. It wasn’t easy, but having that structure and accountability helped me stay on track.

On tough days now, I remind myself that recovery isn’t always going to be smooth, and that setbacks are part of the journey. I lean on the tools I’ve learned and the people I trust to get through those harder moments. Staying connected to my support system and having a routine helps me stay grounded and motivated, even when things feel difficult.

Happy National Volunteer Week, Calgary!

The kitchen and the laundry rooms are where you’ll find most of our volunteers, but we also have a few out-of-the-box opportunities for people to get involved! Our Detox program brings in volunteers for different types of programming like yoga, acupuncture, and art therapy. We caught up with several of our regular volunteers as well as one of our newest volunteers who’s been teaching yoga classes for our Detox clients to hear about their experience volunteering with Alpha House.

Detox Volunteer

Julianne, hosts yoga classes for clients in our detox program. We asked her what inspired her to start teaching yoga in this setting:

“I was always so amazed at how much better I would feel by doing yoga, and how efficient it was at radically changing my mood and calming me down. At some point, around 2012, I remember thinking that if this is so helpful for me, then there must be others in the community who could benefit from it, that don’t have access to yoga— it’s very expensive and can have an elitist image attached to it, which I find really unfortunate because it is so simple.”

Why Alpha House, we asked:

“I’ve always wanted to volunteer with the homeless community, and I thought this could finally be an opportunity to teach yoga to those in need like I wanted to all those years ago. I live in the Beltline and Alpha House is very active in this community. When I was working downtown, I would see so many people on my walk to work who were struggling— I just felt so helpless, and I wanted to be able to do something to help them. Alpha House was the first place that I thought of, and I wanted to help within my own community so it was a great fit.”

Julianne has taught a number of classes at Alpha House, which means her experience has been good…. Right Julianne?

“This will be my third class today. It’s been really positive. (Excellent!) I can tell you a story. (Please do!)

So, my first class, I had four students, and we were working on balancing with the tree pose. I was impressed with how solid their balances are and how present everyone was during the class, given that this isn’t a formal yoga studio.

While I was teaching, I related balancing to conquering a fear, conquering a fear outside of this room. Whatever that is for them, whether it’s coming to Alpha House or another fear that they’ve conquered in their lives. With balancing, the worst thing that can happen is that you’re gonna fall on your face, and really, is it that bad?

Even for myself that day, I had realized that I needed to push myself to face the unknown in my personal life, and get out of that state of fear where you feel like the worst thing is going to happen.”

That’s such a beautiful message, especially for a group of people who are currently in phases of their life where they are facing the unknown and probably are experiencing some fear around that. What’s been the biggest challenge, we wondered, since this is a new population for Julianne?

“So, my first class, I did have an individual who wasn’t able to follow along because he had a recent back surgery. He told me that he had done lots of yoga in the past, and when he wasn’t able to follow along, he was able to trust his own body and not push himself. There’s never any expectation to follow along with what I’m doing physically or what I’m cueing.

That’s what I teach, and I think we did talk about that in my last class as well. I try my best to empower my students to trust where they are at, and trust their own body. My mission as a teacher is to instill the idea of getting my students to be their own guide one day, and I think that’s especially important at Alpha House.

I usually only see a student once, so I only get that one opportunity to give them something that they can take away, and I would love for it to be that— to help them tune into their ability to listen to their own body and take care of themselves.”

We have such respect for the work Julianne has done with our Detox clients and we are so lucky to have her calming presence in our space every single week!

If you have a specific skillset, you think our Detox Clients might benefit from and you’re interested in donating your time, please get in touch with us!

 

Kitchen and Laundry Volunteers

A really helpful (but common!) way for people to volunteer at Alpha House is in our Kitchen or Laundry Rooms! If you’re not sure if this would be a good fit for you, check out what some of our current volunteers had to say. Our favourite part of these interviews was how obvious it was that all of our volunteers care deeply about the population Alpha House serves:

 

 “A family friend’s daughter used to work here, so I heard a bit about the work from her and then I looked into what Alpha House was all about, and I thought it would be a great opportunity to get some experience in the field that I’m wanting to do.” – F

“I am in social work, and I want to work in the addiction field, so I wanted to do something related.” – HR

“I have little kids, so I’ve always been involved. Volunteering through school and sports. I used to volunteer with Alpha House 18 years ago, and now I’m back again!” – D

 “I was living in BC, working at a consignment store, which was a huge resource for a lot of the unhoused people in Vernon, of which there were a lot. They had a really good relationship with them and would welcome them with open arms, let them hang out as long as they wanted, and hook them up with whatever they needed— clothing and stuff like that. It just had a really good approach. I’ve lost quite a few friends to overdoses, and a lot of family members that have been homeless long-term, so I’ve always been interested in working with this population.” – H

There are a lot of reasons people choose to volunteer but we pushed a little to hear what made these four choose Alpha House specifically:

“I wanted to get into social work for school, which is what I’m doing in September. There’s also a personal experience with having a sibling that experiences with mental health and addiction challenges.” – F

“The first way I heard about Alpha House is from one of my friends that used to work here. I learned a bit about the work from her, and I liked the autonomy that it gives clients. So when I wanted to volunteer and get some experience in the addictions field, Alpha House came to mind.” – HR

“I’ve been wanting to volunteer in this kind of capacity for a while, and I’ve got some family members that have used different resources in the city. Alpha House was definitely the preferred one, just as far as the approach goes and with interactions with staff— it was all positive experiences from people I know.” – H

Our clients express themselves in a lot of different ways, we know. This might be in the stories they share or the art that they make. It’s apparent while talking to our foursome that they notice this when they interact with our clients.

“Everyone has their own story. We’re showing up here, being together— showing up for each other in whatever way we can.” – F

“We all come with stories, we all have our histories. It doesn’t matter who we are, we show up. Just like they need to be seen, we need to be seen. We all need to be acknowledged.” – D

“I really like the art that’s around here, and I was told that it was made by the clients. It’s not soulless, it’s not hotel art— it’s very personal.” – HR

The truth is sometimes volunteering at Alpha House is a bit repetitive – there’s only so many ways to make cutting vegetables or scooping potatoes or folding laundry interesting and different. But you just might make connections that last a lifetime with our staff or other volunteers or, maybe, if you’re like our volunteers, by reconnecting with someone you didn’t expect.

“I work downtown on 12^th Ave, and I used to live right off of 17^th Ave, so there’s a lot of clients here that I was familiar with, and used to see around a lot. I don’t live downtown anymore, so seeing people here that I haven’t seen in a while is like reconnecting with people I feel like I used to know. It’s nice to see them getting the help they need.” – H

 

Email us at info@alphahousecalgary.com if you’re interested in getting involved as a volunteer and Happy National Volunteer Week to all the amazing folks donating their time and energy!

 

In honour of World Health Day (yesterday) April 7, 2025, we’re talking about the challenges of achieving and maintaining well-being for the homeless population.

“Feeling good and functioning well” is the most basic way to describe well-being, a topic comprised of many interwoven factors including: personal life circumstances, gender, ethnicity, and trauma. The real-world implications of maintaining one’s well-being are extremely complex.

Let’s consider the personal life circumstance of being without consistent, adequate housing. Homelessness impacts every aspect of your health and wellbeing. Lack of mental health supports, discrimination in healthcare and housing opportunities, and lack of access to basic hygiene or ongoing exposure to the elements are only some of the factors that make maintaining well-being so difficult for those without housing.

Challenges to maintaining well-being and the consequences that follow can be understood through the “upstream/downstream” metaphor.[1] This is based on the idea that well-being in childhood can be used to predict future well-being in adulthood.[2] These findings are in-line with what we see among our clients, in which certain events or incidents or experiences are still causing trauma or challenges in their current lives. Think of a river where the upstream is current life circumstances that impact our well-being, and the downstream is the consequences of the upstream determinants manifesting later in life.

In the context of homelessness, the upstream determinants can be living in poverty and/or living outside, experiencing ongoing discrimination, or experiencing traumatic events. These manifest in the downstream outcomes as mental illness, substance use disorders, impaired cognitive processing, extreme depression and anxiety, or other diseases that impact physical health. Another example might be an individual who has experienced domestic violence, or someone who has faced discrimination/family conflict based on their sexual orientation— a turbulent/unsafe home life and lack of a support system can directly result in trauma, other serious mental health challenges, or homelessness. Upstream and downstream causes are unique to each individual and the life experiences that have shaped them but the concept of well-being building on itself either positively or negatively helps us understand the importance of maintaining our well-being and ensuring everyone has access to the supports they need to do so.

Discrimination in healthcare can manifest in a number of ways— it can be based on appearance, ethnicity, and even mannerisms. Looking “rough” due to lack of housing can impact the quality of healthcare one receives— it takes longer to get the care that you need, and sometimes health concerns are downplayed or downright ignored. Discrimination based on ethnicity due to language barriers, stereotypes and prejudices, or ingrained biases based in racism results in poor healthcare outcomes and can cause people to avoid seeking healthcare all together. Another layer of discrimination is revealed when the individual seeking support is a drug user, especially so if they are displaying certain mannerisms (i.e. looking fidgety, agitated and restless presenting as drug seeking behaviour), making healthcare professionals skeptical and assume that their health concerns are just “drug seeking” behaviours. This means that a drug user who suffered an injury or health complication can have trouble accessing the medication that they need to improve their current health circumstances.

Many homeless people suffer from chronic conditions like respiratory issues and diabetes, conditions that require consistent access to healthcare providers and medication. It often takes advocacy and persistence to receive proper treatment and care even without the additional stressors of being on the street. Homelessness impacts the physical and psychological bandwidth available for focusing on things other than short-term survival, leading to worsening health outcomes.

People experiencing mental illnesses are severely overrepresented among the homeless population. Researchers from the University of Calgary found that 66 to 75 per cent of people who are experiencing homelessness have an underlying mental health condition. Unhoused individuals have few opportunities to interact with psychiatrists and other mental healthcare providers to address these issues. Mental health professionals working in the public sector are relatively few in number, and those who do work in the sector are often overworked with the overwhelming demand for their services.[3] When unhoused individuals are taken to a hospital or holding cell, they are often released back to the street due to a lack of other supports; this cycle makes it very difficult for someone experiencing homelessness to make any strides towards well-being.

At Alpha House, we believe the answer lies in supporting local programs and services that can intervene and help unhoused individuals secure stable housing, access the proper supports, and ensure that people have a place to stay after a hospital or prison visit. Permanent-supportive housing is one of the ways to support this population. Housing that offers 24/7 onsite supports for individuals who can’t live independently and might need interventions for mental health episodes, overdose, and physical ailments. Other interventions such as improved access to mental, psychological, and physical health supports before people become entrenched in homelessness is key. This could mean additional poverty reduction strategies, improved health resources in schools or within employment sectors, and increased social service provisions in hospitals and jails. More understanding and acceptance, and less shame, for the challenges vulnerable populations face is necessary among service providers and the general public so that we can work toward systemic change, and a world where nobody is left behind.

[1] https://www.nature.com/articles/s41572-020-00241-2

[2] https://hqlo.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12955-020-01423-y

[3] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7525583/#:~:text=Homeless%20men%20and%20women%20have,are%20brief%20encounters%20at%20best.

Talking Social Inequalities around Addiction

The observance of World Social Justice Day offers us a chance to reflect on the institutional inequalities that prevent people from accessing basic needs like food, water and housing, and to look back on the hard work of previous generations of activists that got us where we are today. For Alpha House, working with individuals experiencing active addiction, we see firsthand some of the barriers and inequities that they face. We also see the pushback attached to efforts to challenge these inequities. Public sympathy for addiction is low and drug policy often lags behind the needs of the population we serve. Globally, we are facing unprecedented challenges related to social inequalities and overall economic wellbeing particularly for already stigmatized and underserved populations. Today we’re focusing on the history and current situation around harm reduction and how it has worked to bring those struggling with addiction towards improved wellbeing.

Harm Reduction formed as a result of grassroots advocacy among communities of people who have used drugs or know someone who is/has experienced challenges with substance use, and is a movement that has been foundational to Alpha House’s work in the community.

Harm Reduction found its roots in the latter half of the 1900s. The modern harm reduction movement started in the 1980s as a response to the HIV-AIDS crisis, most often attributed to the needle exchange programs put in place to mitigate the spread of disease during that time. These needle exchange programs weren’t always government supported, rather, the public took it upon themselves to create safe injection sites to tackle the situation while the government lagged behind in policy. Despite the lack of support from policymakers and law enforcement, needle exchange programs demonstrated the benefits it would bring to the public’s health, and were the stepping stones for many amazing programs we have today.

Alpha House also found its footing in the 1980s, with our shelter and detox services opening in 1982 as a pivotal innovation for street-involved individuals publicly experiencing addictions to alcohol or other drugs. Our agency began as, and continues to be, a safe and caring environment for individuals experiencing homelessness and active addiction, offering the community an alternative to criminal justice and law enforcement practices like holding cells.

Harm Reduction Practices

North America’s first legal supervised consumption site, Insite, opened in Downtown’s Vancouver’s Eastside in 2003 in response to drug prevalence increasing across the country and, following the success of Insite, Supervised Consumption Sites (SCS) began opening in cities like Calgary, Toronto, and Edmonton across Canada. Supervised consumption sites not only prevent overdoses, but act as a point of connection for caseworkers to connect with clients on key points like housing, healthcare, and addiction treatment services.

In 2005, 2 years after Insite opened in Downtown Vancouver, Alpha House launched our pilot program, the DOAP (Downtown Outreach Addiction Partnership) Team (now known as the HELP Team), a 24/7 outreach program dedicated to assisting the unhoused population in Calgary who are in active addiction. Working closely with Emergency Medical Services and the Calgary Police Service to reduce unnecessary and inappropriate uses of emergency systems, and to connect individuals with the programs and services that they need to improve their well-being. A Social Return on Investment (SROI) study was conducted in 2013 and found that for every dollar invested into this program, there is a social return of $9.43.

Around this time, harm reduction supply also became more widespread in an attempt to reduce disease related to substance use. Easier access to supplies like sterile needles, bubbles, and stems reduce the risk of overdose, infections, and bloodborne disease for individuals who would have already engaged in substance use with supplies that would have already been used or unsanitary due to other reasons.

Despite the improvements seen since the inception of safe consumption sites, they still remain highly contested and debated to this day. Alberta and Ontario are among the provinces that report the highest number of opioid-related deaths, highlighting the need for advocacy and policy change in this space.

Safe Supply and Decriminalization

As the drug crisis continued to spiral in North America, another harm reduction strategy entered the conversation. Safe supply programs were introduced to provide regulated alternatives to street drugs, thereby reducing overdose deaths in the community. Safe supply programs generally operated through clinics, pharmacies, and community health organizations and offered prescription drugs like hydromorphone to those at a high risk of overdose. Providing a safer alternative to unregulated street drugs, safe supply programs have shown, through research, that individuals that make use of these programs experience fewer hospitalizations, reduced involvement in the criminal justice system, and an overall improvement in their wellbeing.

The distribution of naloxone kits also started to pick up steam— a life saving medication that reverses opioid overdoses, which has now become readily available through pharmacies, outreach programs, and emergency services. Being able to hand out naloxone proactively to those who might experience or witness an overdose was a major milestone in the sector.

Decades of advocacy against the criminalization of drugs takes us to 2023, where British Columbia launched a three-year pilot program that temporarily decriminalizes small amounts of select illicit drugs in an attempt to shift the focus from punishment to support, a milestone that many advocates in the sector have fought for[1].

Where We Are Today

Despite the progress we’ve seen in harm reduction advocacy over the last half-century, there are still challenges to overcome. Fentanyl entered Canada’s illicit drug market in the early 2010s, a synthetic opioid, promising effects up to 100 times that of other opioids like morphine or heroin[2]. Based on numbers from January 2024 – June 2024, most accidental apparent opioid toxicity deaths involved fentanyl at 79%, with 21 deaths per day on average[3]. Some of the factors that play into the current drug crisis in Canada:

• Due to its high potency, even small amounts of this drug can prove fatal; illicit drug dealers have taken to mixing in Fentanyl into other substances like heroin to “increase the effects”, thereby contaminating the drug supply and causing many fatalities as a result.
• Extended use of opioids, like fentanyl, can lead to an individual developing tolerance, meaning a higher and/or more frequent dose is required to feel the same effects. Stopping the use of opioids results in the individual’s tolerance for the drug to drop rapidly, meaning that taking a similar dosage to what was previously used can prove to be fatal.
• Stigma towards substance use disorders only exacerbates the problem, discouraging substance users from seeking help and being open about their ongoing addiction challenges.

From the late 2000’s to now, Alpha House has focused on strengthening our housing and outreach programs to recognize some of the main gaps in reducing homelessness, helping individuals manage and overcome addiction, and increasing social equity for historically underserved or highly stigmatized populations. We’ve:

• Opened 7 Supportive Housing buildings, operating 161 housing units for individuals exiting homelessness and looking to find long-term stability
• Piloted a Scattered-Site housing program which now manages 180 market rental units for low acuity individuals
• Launched a Needle Response team that works to clean up needle debris around the city, supporting safe and clean communities while reducing stigma around public substance use
• Expanded the Encampment program to provide rapid response to unhoused individuals who lack emergency shelter access

All of our programs and services strive to work within harm reduction practices and, subsequently, housing first, building off of all of the hard work and advocacy done in the past to bring these ideas to the forefront of the sector. According to the National Harm Reduction Coalition, harm reduction is a flexible practice where interventions and policies are designed to match individual and community needs, meaning that there is no universal definition for harm reduction, however, there are core tenants that guide any harm reduction practices:

• Patient Centered Care
• Judgment Free Care
• Sharing the Voices of Those with Lived Experience
• Advocacy

These core tenants are inherently linked with advocacy and support for equity deserving groups, providing compassionate supports for individuals who need it and advocating for systematic change for current and future generations. Instead of punishing those struggling with substance use, harm reduction seeks to support them in improving their wellbeing while respecting their rights as an individual to make their own choices. In an ideal world, following the tenants of harm reduction, individuals would not be denied supports like housing, financial help, and healthcare due to their substance use or housing status.

For homeless serving agencies, like Alpha House, harm reduction is a philosophy that shapes how our services are delivered. At our core, we look to create opportunities for our clients to engage with healthcare and mental health supports with the end goal of stable housing. Harm reduction can continue to evolve to meet the everchanging needs of modern-day society, but we as a population, policymakers, and law enforcement have to be willing to adapt in a way where we can fill these gaps in the system and support our most vulnerable. Further work is needed to address the contaminated drug supply, lack of housing, and the lack of access to appropriate services and supports for individuals in active addiction before we can see this crisis managed.

 

[1] https://bmcpublichealth.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12889-024-20336-9#:~:text=Background,g%20of%20select%20illicit%20drugs.

[2] https://myhealth.alberta.ca/alberta/pages/fentanyl-frequently-asked-questions.aspx

[3] https://health-infobase.canada.ca/substance-related-harms/opioids-stimulants/

“There is no power for change greater than a community discovering what it cares about” – Margaret J. Wheatley

Here’s the deal, Calgary – we love community engagement – it is one of the best ways to feel more connected to where you live and find like minded people, make friends, and to make a difference in your city. Global Community Engagement Day aims to create awareness of individuals working collaboratively to address ideas and issues within the community, making this world a much better place for everyone!

Alpha House’s main areas of focus are

• Reducing homelessness
• Supporting programs and policies that protect and help individuals struggling with addiction
• Improving access to cultural supports
• Improving access to mental health supports

If you want to get more involved but you don’t know where to start – here are our top 5 tips for you

1. Do some research to find agencies and organizations already doing this work where you live
2. Find ways to support those groups through volunteering, advocacy campaigns, protests, or amplifying their work via social media
3. Check out https://engage.calgary.ca/ – the City of Calgary is always highlighting proposals and projects that impact our communities – and you can have a say in those!
4. Be informed!!!! So much stuff happens all the time in our communities that we don’t hear about until after it’s happened – so be sure to follow local Calgary event pages and influencers
5. Come hang out with Alpha House at one of our upcoming community events

Happy community engagement day, Calgary – let’s keep making Calgary a better place for everyone

Inspiring Stories from our Community Housing Clients 

By Michelle Brown, Community Housing Program Director

 

At Alpha House, we are reminded daily of the transformative value of having a home. 

For so many of our clients who have experienced homelessness, our community housing program enables them to live independently with dignity – to feel supported and cared for by their community and to work to build a healthier future for themselves.

Home for our clients is much more than shelter – it provides hope with a new perspective for them to realize their own dreams and create a better future. 

We recently sat down with three of our community housing clients – Stephen, Darcy, and Lesley, who shared their unique perspectives on how having a home has changed their lives.

 

Home is a Haven Where Stephen’s Dreams are Rekindled

For Stephen, stable housing has enabled him to rediscover his passions, manage his mental health and feel safe and secure. 

“It’s been a tremendous privilege, with regards to where they placed me, with regards to the financial end of it. I still have some pocket money left over after paying rent, and I can keep my affairs in order, like paying bills and actually adulting,” he says.  

After spending years in shelters, Stephen was referred to Alpha House during the pandemic – where he met a counselor who helped him navigate his schizophrenia diagnosis. \

“He was like a big brother, held my hand through some of the worst moments and paranoias of my schizophrenia when it was first diagnosed,” Stephen shares.

Stephen also has renewed dreams of attending a Comic Con convention, and is working to save to attend one in Calgary in the future. 

“Since getting housed, it’s been a huge turnaround. I finally have space for my comics, novels, and costumes — my own slice of identity,” he says. 

Calgary Flames Fan Darcy Loves the Independence of Having His Own Home

Darcy shares that, “Alpha House is to me, in my mind, it is the best thing going.” After experiencing homelessness, he feels comfort and pride in having a space to call his own. 

“It feels nice to actually have a place where I can walk into it and say, this is my place. I pay my bills ahead of time and everything else,” he adds. 

As a lifelong Calgary Flames fan, Darcy has decorated his home with Flames memorabilia on his walls.  

“I have on my wall about eight pictures of Flames players. My friend did a photocopy of Miikka Kiprusoff when he retired and I have it. Kipper was my all time favorite. Like, he was a phenomenal goalie.”

 

A Peaceful Place to Call Home for Lesley

Lesley spent over 10 years living on Calgary’s streets and says Alpha House has given  him a sense of safety and stability. He loves the peace and quiet of living alone. 

“Nobody bothers me. It’s just dandy,” he shares. 

Having a space of his own has allowed Lesley to enjoy simple pleasures, like watching Murdoch Mysteries or playing rhythm and bass guitar. After nearly ten years in Alpha House’s community housing program, Lesley is truly grateful for the stability and security it has provided him. 

For every individual client, the meaning and comfort of home mean different things and we are grateful to Stephen, Darcy and Lesley for sharing their stories with us. 

 

Every one of our clients has a unique story, and at Alpha House we work to enhance our clients’ quality of life by providing them with the support they need to live with dignity, hope and stability in secure housing. 

Alpha House relies on community support to continue helping clients like Stephen, Darcy and Lesley move into stable housing and achieve their goals. Donations go towards rent subsidies, deposits, groceries, and other essentials.

To learn more about the program or to donate, visit Give Hope Through Housing.

 

All Hands on Deck – Let’s Make Housing for All a Reality

National Housing Day is a day for raising awareness, advocating for impactful housing solutions, and taking actionable steps toward a future where every individual has access to safe and stable housing. National Housing Day was declared a ‘national day’ in the year 2000 after homelessness was recognized as a national disaster two years prior. The Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, CMHC, says “an all hands-on deck approach isn’t just an option— it’s essential for tackling the housing and homelessness crisis”. This sentiment rings true for all non-profits and affordable housing providers particularly in recent years; the government, financial organizations, developers, and communities all need to buy in and work together if we’re going to be serious about providing housing for all.

A secondary, but incredibly important, part of National Housing Day is recognizing the thousands of individuals who have been successfully housed in supportive housing programs across the city, province, and country – not just with Alpha House’s programs but with dozens of other homeless-serving agencies. It’s a tough transition to go from homelessness to housing when you may have been chronically homeless for the past 5 or 10 years. It demands a lot of work and often requires tough changes in approaches to everyday life, so it matters to us to celebrate the individuals who have pushed through so much hardship to be where they are today.

So, let’s talk housing, Calgary. In today’s blog post, we are going to be taking a look at key issues impacting the housing crisis in Calgary.

 

City of Calgary – Housing Needs Assessment 2023
https://www.calgary.ca/communities/housing-in-calgary/housing-needs-assessment.html

The Housing Needs Assessment is a Research Report, published by the City of Calgary, with a goal of giving us a better understanding of the need for affordable housing in Calgary. A household is classified as “in need of affordable housing” when it earns less than 65% of Calgary’s median and spends at least 30% of their income on housing costs. The key findings from this report highlight a number of alarming statistics:

• The annual income required to adequately afford market rent in 2023 is $84,000, a significant increase from the $67,000 figure for 2022
• The median cost of buying a detached home has increased by 37% over the last 3 years (2020-2023)
• The average rent between 2020 and 2023 has increased by around 40%
• 1 in 5 households cannot afford their housing

These are obviously concerning stats so… why is it so bad?

There are many issues and compounding factors that play into the housing crisis in Calgary. Becoming educated on some of the issues and challenges with today’s housing market is among the first steps to understanding what we need to be fighting for— we can’t fight for affordable housing for all if we don’t know what’s preventing this future utopia. Some key pieces of information to start:

• Rent Caps: In Alberta, the average rent between 2020 and 2023 has increased by around 40%. In contrast, New Brunswick very recently passed a rent cap bill, effective Feb 2025, which limits rent increases to 3% per year. If this same bill or a similar rent cap bill had been in place in Alberta during that same time period, our 40% figure would be 9%, leaving Albertans with much more flexibility in their finances and with a much smaller percentage of income directed towards housing costs.
  • https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/rent-cap-legislation-1.7388255
• Financialized Landlords (i.e. corporate entities that manage rental properties primarily for profit): There are currently no barriers to corporate entities owning rental properties for-profit including properties earmarked for ‘affordable housing’ indexation Conversely, non-profit, co-op, land trust organizations, and tenants who purchase and own at-risk buildings when they come on the market would provide more protections to ensure affordable housing is true in practice not just in name. The negative impact of financialized landlords can be seen in Martine August’s research, which shows these groups purchased 90% of all rental stock that came up for sale in the Toronto Market in 2020.
  • https://www.cbc.ca/news/financialized-landlord-higher-rents-canada-1.7307015
• Fixed-Term Leases: Fixed term leases allow financialized landlords to raise the rent at their discretion (with no rent caps in place) at the end of each term. Month-to-month or shorter-term leases give renters the power to choose where they want to stay, and are able to leave more quickly if their circumstances change abruptly or if they aren’t satisfied with their living arrangements. When you give renters the power to dictate the parameters of their living situations, this encourages landlords to be more engaged with the state of their properties
• Calgary’s Living Wage is Nearly $10 More Than Minimum Wage: A recent report on the cost of living in Calgary has calculated that a living wage in the city is $24.45 an hour, with the minimum wage remaining unchanged at $15 an hour. A common misconception is that only youth living with their parents are making this wage but, in actuality, about 57.2% of minimum wage workers in Alberta last year were 25 years old or older. This disparity along with the rising costs of basic needs make attaining stable housing incredibly difficult or, in some cases, flat out impossible for many Calgarians.
  • https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/calgary/living-wage-minimum-wage-inflation-costs-1.7386920#:~:text=Calgary-,Calgary’s%20living%20wage%20calculated%20at%20nearly%20%2410%2Fh%20more%20than,more%20than%20the%20minimum%20wage.
• People Turn to the Homeless-Serving Sector When Other Systems Fail: Other systems are in place to assist individuals in difficult situations but, when those fall through, and individuals lose stable housing, the homeless-serving sector is the place they can turn to. Examples of system failures can include difficult transitions from child welfare, inadequate discharge planning from hospitals, corrections, and mental health and addictions facilities, a lack of support for new immigrants and refugees, and individuals fleeing domestic violence where a homeless shelter becomes the only option. The homeless-serving sector is not equipped to continue to see significant increases in number of clients leading to worse outcomes for everyone.
  • https://www.mtroyal.ca/nonprofit/InstituteforCommunityProsperity/Happenings/Unpacking-the-affordable-housing-crisis-ICP.htm

 

And what the heck can we do about it?

• Advocate: Write your local representatives, attend city council meetings, and keep an eye out for campaigns you can be a part of that push for more affordable housing
• Spread Awareness: Educate yourself on the challenges and issues in the housing sector, and share your knowledge with others
• Donate: Donate to agencies that provide affordable housing. Monetary donations and in-kind donations of furniture, appliances, etc. that people can make use of when entering a new home are very helpful for individuals transitioning from homelessness to stable housing
• Attend Events: Participate in local events, workshops, rallies, or discussions that are centered around housing policy
• Volunteer: Volunteer with local affordable housing providers; keep an eye out for volunteer positions on their board of directors or fundraisers supporting this cause
• Become a Landlord Partner with Alpha House: Learn more about our landlord partnership program for individuals exiting homelessness below

 

Alpha House & Landlord Partnerships 

Alpha House’s Community Housing Program works closely with landlords to provide housing for individuals exiting homelessness circumstances. Units are in market rentals around the city and clients are supported by our caseworkers to improve housing stability and communication between tenant and landlord. We are currently looking for landlords to partner with to provide housing for more vulnerable Calgarians.

If you are a landlord or know of a landlord who might be interested, download our Landlord Partnership Package for more information. Inside there are testimonials from current landlord partners, benefits of partnering with Alpha House (e.g. guaranteed consistent rent payments, home maintenance commitment, etc.), and the social benefit of working with our Community Housing Program.

 

Home for the Holidays

One of Alpha House’s biggest strengths is the powerful and moving stories we hear every day from our clients. Each and every client’s life journey is unique, and we believe it’s important to share their stories to not only raise awareness, but to develop the awareness that we cannot truly know someone’s life story or the circumstances that led to the homelessness they now experience.

Keep an ear open for our Home for the Holidays radio campaign to hear both staff and clients of Alpha House share their experiences with homelessness and the impact that stable housing has had on their lives.

The radio campaign will run from December 9^th to December 22^nd, and be featured on WILD 95.3 and 101.5 Today Radio.

CRRA Members Rally to Support Alpha House’s ‘Give Hope Through Housing’ Campaign

By The Community Housing Team

Alpha House had the privilege of participating in the Calgary Residential Rental Association (CRRA) Golf Extravaganza on September 4, and we’ve been genuinely heart-warmed by the outpouring of support we received from so many CRRA members and supporters we met at the event. It was a fantastic opportunity to share our mission and connect with landlords who are eager to make a difference.

Alpha House is thrilled to share the incredible response from CRRA members to our recent ‘Give Hope Through Housing’ campaign. The campaign called on landlords and housing providers to join us in offering secure, accessible housing for some of the city’s most vulnerable people through partnerships in our Community Housing program. The result has been nothing short of inspiring.

As a direct result of the relationships formed with CRRA throughout the summer and at the golf tournament, we’ve already secured 10 new landlord partnerships for our clients that will help provide stable homes for vulnerable Calgarians. We met one individual who wanted to do everything she can to raise awareness in her own community in southeast Calgary, of our need for new landlords and donations. She offered to put up posters and encourage everyone she knows to donate. Meeting people in our community who genuinely want to help vulnerable Calgarians is inspiring and gives us hope of a more secure future for our clients. 

One of our new CRRA landlords we have recently partnered with shared, “Being part of the Alpha House housing program and giving preference to a member of our community that needs housing is a very small act that makes a big difference in their life. We are pleased to be part of the partnership that assists the broader community.”

This generosity and sense of purpose resonate with many landlords, who understand the power of providing a safe, stable home for individuals navigating challenging circumstances.

Some landlords have gone above and beyond, offering their properties at reduced market rates, demonstrating incredible compassion and commitment to helping those in need. 

Paul Tokode, Alpha House’s Transition Program Manager, said,

“We’ve seen tremendous empathy from landlords who want to help their community. The generosity of providing units at lower rates means the world to our clients, many of whom live on very limited incomes.”

This outpouring of support not only strengthens Alpha House’s capacity to provide housing but also highlights the vital role community-driven solutions play in addressing homelessness.

Alpha House Executive Director Kathy Christiansen explained,

“Thanks to our new partnerships with CRRA landlords who stepped up, we are in the process of housing 10 individuals who were waiting for a home. This is only possible because of the overwhelming support from CRRA members and really shows the strength of our community when we work together to create positive change.”

 

Looking Forward

The success of the ‘Give Hope Through Housing’ campaign is a reminder of the essential role housing professionals play in supporting and uplifting communities. With the ongoing collaboration of CRRA members, Alpha House is now better equipped to offer hope and stability to more individuals and families facing homelessness.

Our campaign was launched in response to the urgent need for more housing solutions amidst a growing housing crisis, and it has resonated deeply with CRRA members. By stepping up to meet this need, CRRA landlords have demonstrated generosity, compassion, and a shared belief that stable housing is key to building better futures.

Alpha House is proud to continue working with the CRRA and its members to create lasting solutions to housing challenges. Together, we are making a difference, one home at a time.

If you’d like to learn more about how you can contribute to Alpha House’s ‘Give Hope Through Housing’ campaign or partner with us as a landlord, we invite you to visit Give Hope Through Housing.

Thank you to all CRRA members for your continued dedication to making housing more accessible and giving hope to those who need it most!

 

Alpha House has been delivering a version of the Engaging Vulnerable Persons workshop to Calgary communities for nearly a decade. The training has gone through many iterations over the years, adapting to the landscape of homelessness and addiction in the city to provide the most relevant information surrounding the challenges that can come from interacting with people on the street who may be under the influence, struggling with poor mental health, sleep deprived, or some combination of the above.

The EVP is broken into three sections.

• The landscape, myths, and key concepts surrounding homelessness and addiction
• Biases and Perceptions
• Improving interactions

This workshop is designed for any individual or group who is interested in understanding more about navigating public substance use, homelessness, and street-involved interactions. Learn all you need to know about this workshop with the below FAQ:

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a cost?

Alpha House is committed to providing this workshop to as many people as possible to increase understanding and compassion, equip people with tools to create safety for all, and bring community together to tackle these large social issues. If you do not have any funds to support this training, we will do our best to work with you. For businesses and corporate groups, the cost is $250.00, for other non-profit organizations and community groups the cost is $100. For individuals, we do have a webinar version available for $10 on demand. Details here: https://alphahousecalgary.com/engaging-vulnerable-persons/

 

Can I book one for my specific group?

Yes! We offer bookings for specific groups whether you’re a local business, corporate office, community group or non-profit agency, church, community association, or categorized some other way. Please email us at info@alphahousecalgary.com to request a workshop.

 

How long is the workshop?

The full workshop is roughly 90 minutes, but we also offer condensed versions in 60-minute, 45-minute, and 30-minute options. Please note: we of course recommend the full version as it contains all the topics we believe are most relevant for effective understanding and implementation of the information. However, we can accommodate requests for compressed options as needed.

 

Is it possible to customize the presentation for my group?

Absolutely! Alpha House offers customizations (within reason) by request. We are happy to utilize specific scenarios or situations based on experiences your staff or group has encountered in the past. Equally, we can adjust the workshop to include more, or less, specific information about the topics covered.

 

Is the EVP in-person or virtual?

You decide! We are happy to provide the workshop in-person at your group’s location or virtually. We can also provide a hybrid option if you have staff/interested participants who are not able to make it in-person. Lastly, webinar options are available if you are interested in ongoing training for new hires, new volunteers, or something similar. Reach out to us to discuss.

 

Is there a webinar version for the general public?

You bet there is! More details here: https://alphahousecalgary.com/engaging-vulnerable-persons/

 

How do I book a workshop?

Email us at info@alphahousecalgary.com !

 

Are there additional resources available?

We’re so glad you asked! There ARE additional resources available. Check out our YouTube channel for our Engaging Vulnerable Persons Video Series, which breaks down different interactions and best practices for engaging: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIrMdCzSNpxv0Wp-4Dk8dvg

 

If you have a question that has not been answered here, please feel free to email us for more information: info@alphahousecalgary.com

 

The information presented in the Engaging Vulnerable Persons Training is information directly pulled from Alpha House’s 40+ years of experience working with vulnerable populations in Calgary, Alberta. We do not make any guarantees about the practices described in this training, however, and Alpha House shall not be responsible for any decisions made based on this information