No one wants to rely on an emergency shelter.
Together, we can build a stronger calagary.
The Calgary Drop-In Centre continues to see high numbers of new people requiring support. For example, each month we help an average of 48 people exit homelessness and achieve their housing goals. Yet, at the same time, we’re seeing an average of 87 (and sometimes as many as 150) new people per month.
At the same time, we continue to run into roadblocks when trying to find rentals that folks can afford.
The DI’s housing program helps unhoused people address and overcome the barriers they face to acquiring a home of their own: 1) Lack of affordable and deeply affordable rentals, 2) Financial Strain, and 3) Limited Access to Household Furnishings.
The good news is, if we work together, we can build a stronger Calgary.
Barriers People Experiencing Homelessness Face When Looking for Housing (and What You Can Do About It)
Barrier 1: Lack of affordable and deeply affordable rentals
Accessible, appropriate, and affordable housing is the answer to ending homelessness. Without a home to rent, homelessness will not improve in our community.
We are always looking to build more connections in the community, especially with local landlords who have affordable and deeply affordable units. Learn more about your rights and responsibilities as a landlord here.
Barrier 2: Financial Strain
It costs an average of just $1,350 to house a single person. This typically covers the cost of a damage deposit, first month’s rent, and/or moving fees. Once a person has an address and are ready to move in, they come shop our Free Goods Program to chose items to make their house a home, at no cost.
This relatively small start-up cost is often the difference between staying unhoused and reintegrating into the broader community, because people typically have the means to cover ongoing expenses on their own.
Barrier 3: Limited access to household furnishings
Without household basics like a mattress, cleaning supplies, and towels, living independently would be uncomfortable. An empty house without access to the daily essentials most people take for granted doesn’t improve a person’s quality of life.
The DI’s award-winning Free Goods Program offers a solution by accepting new and gently used donations from the community and providing them to people moving into their own home, at no cost.
In 2025, the program helped furnish 3,088 households which supported folks experiencing homelessness across the city, not solely guests of the Calgary Drop-In Centre.
Kindly donate furniture, clothing, and other household essentials at our Free Goods Program located at 3640 11a St NE in Calgary (get directions).
