News & Stories

How the Free Goods Program Helps the DI Save $2.1 Million Every Year

July 24, 2026

A donation does more than you think.

Here’s something not everyone knows: every donation creates more than one kind of impact. 

When you donate a box of clothing or a case of hygiene products, it’s easy to picture where those items go. Someone receives a warm jacket and a shelter space has clean linens. The part that most people don’t see is that alongside the leading edge support, the items you give can help us save money that can then be used to support people in other ways.

Every item donated through the Free Goods Program is one less item the Calgary Drop-In Centre needs to purchase. One box may not seem like much on its own, but thousands of donations coming together over the course of a year add up to more than $2.1 million in operational savings. 

These avoided costs mean the DI can spend less on everyday essentials like food, clothing, linens, hygiene products, technology, and supplies, and direct more of its budget toward the programs that help people find stability and access housing. These resources also help to support the people behind the programs, like housing workers helping someone prepare for their next step, health teams caring for people with complex needs, and frontline staff creating safe, welcoming spaces.

You can see the impact of the Free Goods Program throughout the DI every day. A donated laptop lets someone complete an application or connect with services. A donated box of kitchen supplies makes a house a home. A pair of new shoes gives someone new confidence. But a donation does two jobs at once, and its impact doesn’t stop when it arrives at our doors. It provides something someone needs today, while helping the DI continue the work of supporting people toward stability, housing, and a future beyond homelessness. 

For a limited time, all donations to our Free Goods Program will be doubled up to $100,000 courtesy of the Hope & Aspire Fund. Learn more and make your contribution at calgarydropin.ca/support-us/doubleforgood.