How to obtain temporary accommodation in an emergency?

When a person finds themselves in a situation where they have nowhere to return to—due to a fire in their home, flooding of their apartment, significant damage from a winter storm, or any other emergency—one of the most important tasks is to find safe temporary housing. Calgary has an extensive support system that combines the efforts of city authorities, non-governmental organizations, church and volunteer groups, and the private sector. This system allows victims to quickly find a roof over their heads, get the essentials, and begin rebuilding their lives. Below, we will look at all the available options step by step.

Contacting Calgary 2-1-1 and the Emergency Housing Coordination Centre

Regardless of the nature of the emergency, the first step should be to call the toll-free number 2-1-1, which operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The 2-1-1 operator has information about all shelters, emergency services, and housing programs operating in Calgary and the surrounding area. 2-1-1 directs people to the appropriate centers:

  • In the event of a fire or flooding in your home, the operator will redirect you to the Calgary Emergency Management Agency or local shelters that open depending on weather conditions.

  • If a person is a victim of domestic violence, 2-1-1 will provide contact information for the Calgary Women's Emergency Shelter (FearIsNotLove) or YW Crisis Shelter for women and children.

  • For homeless people, the operator will provide the contact details for SORCe (Safe Communities Opportunity & Resource Centre), which should be contacted for a needs assessment and referral to the Drop-In Centre or Alpha House shelters.

After the call, the person will be informed about the availability of places, living conditions, and the procedure for admission to a temporary shelter. In most cases, registration takes place over the phone, and arrival at the center requires only basic identification.

Organizations that provide temporary housing

The Calgary Drop-In Centre

If you find yourself homeless at any time of the day or night, the Calgary Drop-In Centre, located at 1 Dermot Baldwin Way SE, is open to everyone. It is a low-threshold shelter that does not require a referral and operates 24 hours a day. It provides a place to sleep, three meals a day, showers, and hygiene supplies. Thanks to a partnership with the Calgary Homeless Foundation, the centre can transport residents on emergency bus lines from LRT stations during severe weather.

Alpha House Society

People struggling with addiction can contact Alpha House at 203 15 Avenue SE. It is a 24-hour shelter for adults who are under the influence of alcohol or drugs and who would otherwise be sleeping rough. Regardless of the time of day, anyone can come in and get a safe place to stay, a hot drink, a chance to sleep, and emergency assistance.

Inn from the Cold

For families, including pregnant women and children under 18, there is Inn from the Cold, located in downtown Calgary. They provide semi-private rooms for family accommodation, three meals a day, and support from social workers. To access the emergency family shelter program, simply call the 24-hour hotline at 403 263 8384. The team works with each family to find long-term housing and assists with clothing, baby supplies, and other urgent needs.

The Mustard Seed

The Mustard Seed has two key locations: a women's shelter at 110 11 Ave SE and a branch of the Foothills Shelter at 7025 44 St SE. These are sober, safe spaces that operate on a walk-in basis without prior appointment. For women, beds are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis at 4:00 p.m. daily. All residents have access to showers, laundry facilities, and resource workers who assist with housing, medical, and social issues.

Terms and Conditions of Stay

Each shelter sets its own rules for staying, but the general principles are as follows:

  • Short-term accommodation: usually one to three weeks, depending on the program and availability.

  • 24-hour access: Drop-In Centre, Alpha House, and Mustard Seed Shelter are available at any time.

  • Mandatory registration: upon first arrival, you will be registered, photographed, and your basic information (name, date of birth, special needs) will be recorded.

  • Confidentiality: personal information is protected in accordance with privacy laws.

All facilities work together and with Calgary Homeless Foundation programs, so if there are no places available at one center, you may be referred to another.

Preparing for a long-term housing solution

Temporary shelter is only the first step. While you are living in a shelter, it is important to work on finding stable housing and a source of income. There are programs to help you do this:

  • Coordinated Entry from the Distress Centre Calgary, which assesses everyone who applies for shelter and refers them to housing support programs, rental subsidies, and social housing.

  • Calgary Housing Company, which manages social housing and subsidy programs. Through Other Options, you can learn about quick rental options and plans for transitioning from shelter to your own home.

  • Rental Assistance Benefit, which provides subsidies of up to $900 per month to low-income households to pay market rent.

State and municipal support

In the event of mass natural disasters (floods, heavy snowfall, extreme heat), the City of Calgary activates the Calgary Emergency Management Agency (CEMA), which opens additional shelters in public buildings — community halls, sports arenas, and churches. Information about these temporary centers can be found on the city's website and through the municipality's social media channels.

In addition, the Extreme Weather Response (EWR) program runs from December 1 to March 31 each year. During extreme cold or heat, the community launches warming centers and cooling centers, where, in addition to overnight accommodation, hot drinks, snacks, and basic medical care are provided.

The role of community organizations and volunteers

There are many informal groups in Calgary that help with finding housing: religious communities through church-based outreach, volunteer networks on social media (Calgary Neighbours Helping Neighbours), national community initiatives (Ukrainian, Somali, and Filipino communities), and charitable foundations. They provide quick placement with host families, help with buying furniture and clothing, and organize transportation.

Tips for those looking for temporary housing

Before contacting shelters, prepare a minimum set of items: warm clothes, hygiene products, documents (passport, status, ID), a list of contacts of relatives and friends. Having basic items and documents will simplify the registration process at most centers.

Try to establish contact with a social worker or housing coordinator at the shelter — they can refer you to subsidized housing programs and provide individual counseling on budgeting, employment, and psychological support.

Don't forget about online resources: the Calgary Housing Company and Alberta.ca websites for finding emergency financial assistance, as well as 2-1-1 for the latest information on availability.

Conclusion

If you lose your home due to emergency circumstances, Calgary offers an effective and diverse network of temporary shelters, emergency centers, and support programs. From the 24-hour Drop-In Centre and Alpha House to the Inn from the Cold family program and The Mustard Seed women's shelter, everyone can find a place to stay. Cooperation between government services, non-governmental organizations, and volunteers ensures quick access to safe housing, while stable funding and social housing programs help with a smooth transition to a long-term solution. If you or your family are facing an emergency housing situation in Calgary, don't hesitate — call 2-1-1, visit SORCe, Drop-In Centre, or Inn from the Cold, and take advantage of all the support programs available.