Edmonton

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Social Support

Overview of social services, including childcare, financial assistance, housing supports, and food security programs in Edmonton.

Sections

1. Housing Assistance

Edmonton provides several programs and services to help individuals and families secure affordable housing or prevent homelessness.

a. Affordable Housing

  • Edmonton Housing Corporation (EHC): Offers subsidized housing for low-income families, seniors, and individuals.
    • Eligibility: Based on income thresholds, family size, and housing need.
    • Cost: Rent is typically set at 30% of gross household income.
    • How to Apply: Visit the Capital Region Housing (CRH) website to complete an application or call 780-420-6161 for assistance.
    • Location: 10232 112 Street NW, Edmonton, AB.

b. Emergency Shelters

  • Boyle Street Community Services: Provides emergency shelter and housing support for individuals experiencing homelessness.

    • Cost: Free.
    • How to Access: Walk-in services are available; no appointment needed.
    • Location: 10116 105 Avenue NW, Edmonton, AB.

  • Hope Mission: Offers emergency shelter, meals, and transitional housing.

    • Cost: Free.
    • How to Access: Walk-in or call 780-422-2018.
    • Location: 9908 106 Avenue NW, Edmonton, AB.

c. Rent Assistance Programs

  • Alberta Rent Supplement Program: Provides financial assistance to help low-income households pay rent.
    • Eligibility: Must meet income and residency requirements.
    • Cost: Free to apply; assistance amount varies.
    • How to Apply: Applications are managed through Capital Region Housing.

2. Food Services

Edmonton has numerous food banks, meal programs, and community kitchens to support individuals and families facing food insecurity.

a. Edmontonโ€™s Food Bank

  • Services: Provides food hampers and referrals to other food programs.
    • Cost: Free.
    • Eligibility: Open to anyone in need; ID and proof of address may be required.
    • How to Access: Call 780-425-4190 or visit Edmontonโ€™s Food Bank to register.
    • Location: 11508 120 Street NW, Edmonton, AB.

b. Meal Programs

  • Bissell Centre: Offers free hot meals and snacks to low-income individuals.

    • Cost: Free.
    • How to Access: Walk-in services available.
    • Location: 10527 96 Street NW, Edmonton, AB.

  • Mustard Seed Edmonton: Provides free meals and food hampers.

    • Cost: Free.
    • How to Access: Walk-in or call 780-426-5600.
    • Location: 10635 96 Street NW, Edmonton, AB.

3. Mental Health Support

Edmonton has a variety of mental health services, ranging from crisis intervention to long-term counseling.

a. Alberta Health Services (AHS) Mental Health Services

  • Services: Offers counseling, psychiatric care, and addiction support.
    • Cost: Free with an Alberta Health Care card.
    • How to Access: Call the Mental Health Helpline at 1-877-303-2642 or visit a local AHS clinic.
    • Locations: Multiple locations across Edmonton; visit AHS Mental Health for details.

b. The Support Network โ€“ Distress Line

  • Services: 24/7 crisis support and suicide prevention hotline.
    • Cost: Free.
    • How to Access: Call 780-482-4357 (HELP).

c. Momentum Walk-In Counselling

  • Services: Provides affordable, short-term counseling for individuals, couples, and families.
    • Cost: Sliding scale ($20โ€“$200 per session based on income).
    • How to Access: Walk-in or book online at Momentum Counselling.
    • Location: 9562 82 Avenue NW, Edmonton, AB.

4. Employment Programs

Edmonton offers employment support services to help individuals find jobs, improve skills, and access training.

a. BGS Career Ventures

  • Services: Career counseling, resume workshops, and job placement assistance.
    • Cost: Free.
    • How to Access: Call 780-425-6655 or visit BGS Career Ventures.
    • Location: 10242 105 Street NW, Edmonton, AB.

b. Edmonton Mennonite Centre for Newcomers (EMCN)

  • Services: Employment readiness programs, language training, and job placement for newcomers.
    • Cost: Free.
    • How to Access: Call 780-424-7709 or visit EMCN.
    • Location: 11713 82 Street NW, Edmonton, AB.

c. Alberta Works โ€“ Employment and Financial Services

  • Services: Job search resources, training programs, and income support.
    • Cost: Free.
    • How to Access: Visit a local Alberta Works Centre or call 1-877-644-9992.
    • Location: Multiple locations; visit Alberta Works for details.

5. Newcomer Services

Edmonton is home to many organizations that provide settlement and integration support for immigrants and refugees.

a. Catholic Social Services โ€“ Immigration and Settlement Services

  • Services: Language training, settlement counseling, and community orientation.
    • Cost: Free for eligible newcomers.
    • How to Access: Call 780-432-1137 or visit Catholic Social Services.
    • Location: 8212 118 Avenue NW, Edmonton, AB.

b. Edmonton Immigrant Services Association (EISA)

  • Services: Language classes, employment support, and cultural orientation.
    • Cost: Free.
    • How to Access: Call 780-474-8445 or visit EISA.
    • Location: 10720 113 Street NW, Edmonton, AB.

c. Multicultural Health Brokers Cooperative

  • Services: Health navigation, family support, and community connections for immigrants and refugees.

6. Additional Resources

  • 211 Alberta: A free, confidential helpline that connects individuals to social, health, and government services.

  • City of Edmonton Community Services: Offers recreation subsidies, family support programs, and community outreach.

Key Considerations

  • Alberta Health Care Card: Many free services require an Alberta Health Care card. You can apply for one at no cost if you are a resident of Alberta.
  • Identification: Some services may require government-issued ID or proof of residency.
  • Language Support: Many newcomer services offer interpretation and translation assistance.

By leveraging these resources, residents and newcomers in Edmonton can access the support they need to thrive in the city. Let me know if you need further details on any specific service!