Calgary

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Community Services

Information about recreation centers, libraries, and support for newcomers like settlement services.

Sections

1. Healthcare Access

Healthcare in Calgary is primarily provided through Alberta Health Services (AHS), the provincial health authority. Hereโ€™s what you need to know:

Public Healthcare

  • Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP):
    • Eligibility: All residents of Alberta, including permanent residents, refugees, and some temporary residents (e.g., those with valid work or study permits for 12+ months).
    • Cost: Free for eligible residents; funded through taxes.
    • Services Covered: Doctor visits, hospital stays, diagnostic tests, and some surgeries.
    • How to Apply:
      1. Complete the AHCIP application form (available online or at registry offices).
      2. Provide proof of identity (e.g., passport) and residency (e.g., lease agreement or utility bill).
      3. Submit the application at a registry office or mail it to the AHCIP office.

Walk-In Clinics and Urgent Care

  • Walk-In Clinics: For non-emergency medical issues, walk-in clinics are available across Calgary. No appointment is needed, but wait times may vary.
  • Urgent Care Centres: For non-life-threatening emergencies, urgent care centres like the Sheldon M. Chumir Health Centre are available.

Community Health Services

  • Calgary Urban Project Society (CUPS):
    • Provides healthcare services for low-income individuals and families, including mental health support and addiction services.
    • Cost: Free or low-cost, depending on income.
    • Contact: CUPS Calgary

2. Housing Assistance

Calgary offers several programs and organizations to help individuals and families find affordable housing or deal with housing crises.

Affordable Housing Programs

  • Calgary Housing Company (CHC):
    • Manages affordable rental housing for low- and moderate-income households.
    • Eligibility: Based on income, family size, and housing need.
    • Cost: Rent is typically set at 30% of household income.
    • How to Apply: Complete an online application on the CHC website or visit their office for assistance.
    • Contact: Calgary Housing Company

Emergency Shelters

  • The Mustard Seed: Provides emergency shelter, transitional housing, and support services for individuals experiencing homelessness.
  • Alpha House: Offers shelter and addiction recovery services for vulnerable populations.

Rental Assistance Programs

  • Direct Rent Supplement Program: Provides financial assistance to help low-income households pay their rent.
    • Eligibility: Income thresholds apply; applicants must be renting in the private market.
    • How to Apply: Applications are managed through the CHC.

3. Food Banks

Calgary has a strong network of food banks and community kitchens to support individuals and families facing food insecurity.

Calgary Food Bank

  • Services: Emergency food hampers, referrals to other support services.
  • Eligibility: Open to anyone in need; no proof of income required for the first visit, but subsequent visits may require documentation.
  • Cost: Free.
  • How to Access:
    1. Call 403-253-2055 to book an appointment.
    2. Pick up your food hamper at the designated location.

Community Kitchens Program of Calgary

  • Services: Offers cooking classes, meal preparation programs, and bulk food purchasing to help families stretch their budgets.
  • Cost: Low-cost; fees vary by program.
  • Contact: Community Kitchen Program

4. Job Search Help

Calgary has numerous resources to help residents and newcomers find employment, upgrade skills, and connect with employers.

Government-Funded Employment Services

  • Alberta Supports Centres:
    • Provide career counseling, job search assistance, and information on training programs.
    • Cost: Free.
    • How to Access: Visit an Alberta Supports Centre in person or call 1-877-644-9992.

Notable Organizations

  • Calgary Immigrant Womenโ€™s Association (CIWA):
    • Offers employment training, mentorship, and job placement services for immigrant women.
    • Cost: Free for eligible participants.
    • Contact: CIWA
  • Centre for Newcomers:
    • Provides job search workshops, resume writing assistance, and connections to employers for newcomers.
    • Cost: Free.
    • Contact: Centre for Newcomers

Job Fairs and Networking Events

  • Regularly hosted by organizations like Calgary Economic Development and local libraries. Check their websites for upcoming events.

5. Recreational Programs

Calgary offers a wide range of recreational programs for all ages, including sports, arts, and cultural activities.

City of Calgary Recreation Programs

  • Services: Swimming lessons, fitness classes, sports leagues, and arts programs.
  • Cost: Fees vary, but subsidies are available for low-income families through the Fair Entry program.
  • How to Apply for Fair Entry:
    1. Complete the Fair Entry application form.
    2. Provide proof of income (e.g., tax return or government assistance documents).
    3. Submit the application online, by mail, or in person at a Calgary service centre.

Public Libraries

  • Calgary Public Library:
    • Offers free access to books, digital resources, workshops, and community events.
    • Cost: Free library membership for all Calgary residents.
    • Contact: Calgary Public Library

Parks and Outdoor Activities

  • Calgary is home to numerous parks and pathways, including Princeโ€™s Island Park and Fish Creek Provincial Park, which are free to access.

Additional Resources

  • 211 Alberta: A free, confidential helpline that connects you to community and social services in Calgary. Dial 211 or visit 211 Alberta.
  • Immigrant Services Calgary: Offers settlement support, language training, and community connections for newcomers. Immigrant Services Calgary

This guide should help you navigate Calgaryโ€™s community services effectively. Let me know if you need further details or assistance!