Calgary offers a comprehensive network of free assistance services for newcomers, including relocation support, basic furniture and household items, and help adjusting to life in Canada. These services are provided through federal, provincial, and municipal programs, as well as through numerous non-profit organizations that specialize in working with immigrants and refugees.

The Gateway system brings together seven key organizations that provide coordinated services to newcomers in Calgary. When you book a free consultation through Gateway, you will be connected with a specialist who will ask about your goals and help you create a plan to achieve them so that you can successfully settle into your new life in Alberta.

Key partner organizations providing free assistance

Calgary Catholic Immigration Society (CCIS)

Calgary Catholic Immigration Society is the largest immigrant-serving agency in Western Canada. With over 30 years of experience, the CCIS team has set the standard for service delivery in the immigrant services sector. The organization provides free settlement services that cover all aspects of a new start, including legal advice, mental health support, and housing assistance.

The Settlement Service Program (SSP) is an ongoing support program that offers assistance to all newcomers to Calgary with resettlement and integration. A team of skilled advisors helps overcome settlement barriers and challenges to start a new life without problems. The SSP is delivered through individual sessions with a relocation and integration advisor, group orientations, seminars with guest speakers, or conversation circles.

Immigrant Services Calgary

Immigrant Services Calgary offers many services to provide families and individuals with the support they need to successfully start a new chapter in their lives in Canada. The organization helps you:

• learn about daily life in Canada;
• prepare for the Calgary job market;
• build a sense of belonging in the city;
• assess your English language skills;
• Learn about government benefits and community resources.

The Calgary Handbook for Newcomers is a comprehensive resource designed to help you overcome the challenges of moving to a new country while welcoming you with accessible resources to enjoy your new chapter. The handbook is available in multiple languages and contains practical information about life in Calgary.

Centre for Newcomers

The Centre for Newcomers supports both newcomers and the host community in becoming diverse and united through services that create conditions for successful integration. The organization provides a wide range of free services, including:

• language training,
• employment assistance,
• legal advice,
• social adjustment programs.

Free furniture and household items

Free Goods Program Calgary Drop-In Centre

The Free Goods Program Calgary Drop-In Centre is one of the most comprehensive resources for newcomers in need of furniture and household items. For over 60 years, the Calgary Drop-In Centre has supported Calgary's most vulnerable residents and has evolved into a housing-focused emergency shelter.

The program collects new and used donations (such as furniture, household items, technology, clothing, hygiene products, etc.) from community donors and then distributes them to low-income or no-income Calgarians in need — free of charge. They have evolved their three programs (Clothing Room, Move Out Program, CLIC) to remove as many barriers as possible.

Last year, the program provided 1,235 items to over 80 households, serving 311 individuals new to Canada. The Donation Center's Move Out Program has seen a huge increase in demand from this population recently, with a recorded increase of 126% more households served, representing a 130% increase in individuals served.

House to Home Program (WINS)

Women in Need Society (WINS) operates the House to Home program, which has six stores throughout Calgary. They have clothing, furniture, and household items available FREE OF CHARGE. The House to Home program can also refer you to the Free Goods & Donation Centre if they are unable to help.

To receive assistance, call 403-234-8081. WINS supports women and families in need by reselling donated items to fund community programs. They offer free furniture pickup for large items.

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Subsidized public transportation

Calgary Transit Low Income Monthly Pass

Calgary offers a subsidized public transportation program for low-income newcomers through the Fair Entry program. The sliding scale has three price categories: for 2025, prices are $5.90, $41.30, and $59.00 per month, depending on how much the client earns.

The less an applicant earns, the less they will have to pay. For the Calgary Transit Low Income Monthly Pass, three income categories or ranges have been developed. Those who earn the least will pay the lowest fare, and those who earn slightly more will pay higher fares, but everyone who qualifies will receive a discount.

Fair Entry remains the single point of application for all subsidy programs, including anyone interested in the sliding scale for Transit's Low Income Monthly Pass. Participants in the Relocation Assistance Program can use a copy of their “Start-Up & Monthly Allowance” to verify income on their application.

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Free Moving Assistance

Shelter Movers Calgary

Shelter Movers is a national, volunteer-driven charity that provides free moving and storage services to individuals and families fleeing violence. They partner with local businesses and community agencies to support people, primarily women and children, as they transition to a life free from violence.

Shelter Movers Calgary was founded in September 2023 and consists of a growing team of dedicated volunteers who help provide immediate and lasting impact to victims of gender-based violence in the Calgary, Alberta area.

The organization offers its services to local communities through referral partners:

• Rowan House Society
• FearIsNotLove
• Unison Elder Abuse Shelter & Outreach
• Niitoiyis Family Support Society
• Nisa Homes Calgary

Pay It Forward Fund

The Calgary Drop-In Centre manages the Pay It Forward Fund, which helps remove the stress barrier for people moving into their new homes by covering moving expenses. A donation of $2,000 will provide more than a dozen moves for people facing this small but burdensome financial barrier to moving into their own home.

Employment and Career Assistance

The Immigrant Education Society (TIES)

TIES provides comprehensive support not only in employment and language training, but also in childcare, settlement, mental health, and many other areas. The organization has become an integral part of Calgary's immigrant-serving community and continues to strive to provide newcomers and Canadians in need with opportunities to find their rightful place in our city.

TIES offers free childcare while attending LINC classes in person. For newcomers with children under the age of 11 who are attending LINC classes at TIES, the organization offers free childcare. TIES Little Beginnings provides affordable, high-quality, and culturally rich childcare for all families.

Calgary Immigrant Women's Association (CIWA)

CIWA offers essential support and assistance services to ensure a smooth transition and adaptation for its clients in Canada. The organization's programs focus on providing immigrant women with access to vital resources, including community information and resources, volunteer opportunities, legal and financial support, and community engagement groups.

The Find Me a Home project provides temporary housing for immigrant/refugee women with multiple barriers who are fleeing abusive situations by providing emergency and temporary housing for them and their children in a motel or hotel for up to 3 nights until stable housing is found.

Social and community programs

Calgary Newcomers Guide

Calgary Newcomers Guide offers free settlement support, English classes, youth programs, and assistance with housing, employment, and language training. The organization's founder established Calgary Newcomers Guide because he believes that every newcomer to Canada deserves a fair chance to thrive. As an immigrant himself, he understands the challenges of settling in a new country: navigating services, finding a community, and building a future.

ActionDignity

ActionDignity is a community organization that promotes the collective voice of Calgary's ethnocultural communities for full civic participation and integration through collective action. They also offer a variety of youth programs for newcomers and immigrants.

1000 Voices and Genesis Centre

1000 Voices is a gathering place for communities north of McKnight. The space can be used for community meetings, discussion groups, programs and services, cultural arts, and local events. The facility also offers job programs and career counseling.

Language Support and Educational Services

Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC)

LINC programs are free for those who qualify. Immigrant Services Calgary provides free language assessment and referral services to permanent residents, convention refugees, and naturalized Canadian citizens living in Calgary, Brooks, Lethbridge, Medicine Hat, and surrounding areas.

After testing, you will be referred to appropriate English language programs such as Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC) or English as an Additional Language (EAL). The test can take up to 3 hours, and results are provided on the same day as the assessment.

Agapé Language Centre

Agapé Language Centre offers adult ESL and the government-funded LINC (Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada) program. They currently offer online classes Monday through Friday in the morning and evening.

Legal Services and Advice

Legal Advice Clinics

Legal Advice Clinics are offered in partnership with Calgary Legal Guidance. These clinics connect low-income permanent residents and refugees with free legal advice and services from highly qualified, professional volunteer lawyers. These monthly clinics are free and offer personalized consultation services on family and immigration issues.

To book an appointment at the Legal Clinic, you must book an appointment with your Gateway Newcomer Planner by calling 403-265-1120, sending an email, or booking an appointment online. During your appointment with your planner, book a time slot with a volunteer lawyer.

Support for families with children

Community Action Program for Children

This free program helps children under the age of six and their parents access support for well-being and healthy development. Join the free program to receive a personalized plan that includes important community resources for your child, including health care, social services, and recreational services.

Healthy Start Calgary

Through this free program, pregnant women, parents, and caregivers with infants can meet with a nutritionist and other health care providers to learn how to make healthy lifestyle choices for themselves and their child. You may also be referred to the Calgary Food Bank or other support services in Calgary, receive gift cards for groceries, and receive essential baby items such as diapers, wipes, and vitamin D for your child.

Support for Seniors

Community Initiatives for Immigrant Seniors Program

Designed to help immigrant and refugee seniors adapt to life in Canada, this year-round program provides free life skills classes, computer classes, fitness programs, and social activities for adults aged 55 and older. Through online and in-person events, senior immigrants can learn about Calgary, make friends, and lead an active lifestyle.

Social groups such as conversation and book clubs are also part of this program, allowing seniors to join a variety of activities and form social support networks. The program also offers supportive counseling in the native language, referring seniors to necessary community resources and services as needed.

Financial Support and Fair Entry Programs

Access to Subsidized City Services

Fair Entry allows you to apply for subsidized city programs and services through a single application process, including transit and recreation. The program provides financial assistance for many different services in the city, including transit. Through this program, you may be eligible for a more affordable monthly transit pass starting at $5.

The Fair Entry application can be completed online, by phone, by mail, or in person. The Southeast Calgary Resource Centre provides emergency bus tickets for clients and encourages individuals to apply for the fare entry program with the city and can assist with the application.

Volunteer opportunities and community involvement

Volunteer Calgary

Many organizations in Calgary rely on volunteers to provide services to newcomers. CCIS offers meaningful volunteer opportunities to impact new refugee families moving to Calgary. Volunteering with CCIS offers a unique opportunity to positively impact the lives of individuals navigating the complex immigration system.

By dedicating your time and skills, you help create a supportive community for newcomers, fostering a sense of belonging and cultural integration. In addition, volunteering provides an opportunity to develop empathy, cultural competence, and a deeper understanding of immigration issues, promoting personal growth and broadening perspectives on global issues.

Practical tips for accessing services

Emergency contact information

• 311 — city information or service requests within Calgary (translation available in 200+ languages).
• 911 — health, safety, and property emergencies (translation services available).
• 211 — financial, social, food support, mental health (free and confidential, translation available).

Navigating public transportation

Calgary Transit offers the CTrain (LRT) with red and blue lines. The CTrain is free in the city center along 7th Avenue. Bus service is available throughout the city and connects to the CTrain. Details and routes are available on the Calgary Transit website or app.

Calgary truly offers a comprehensive network of free services to assist newcomers during their transition, ranging from basic furniture and household items to subsidized transportation, language training, and employment support. These services are coordinated through the Gateway system and provided by numerous partner organizations working together to ensure the successful integration of newcomers into Canadian society.