When Emergencies Happen, the Free Goods Program Helps Communities Respond
August 5, 2026
Most people know the Calgary Drop-In Centre’s Free Goods Program for its everyday work, supporting people experiencing homelessness and helping them move into housing. Lesser known is that the program also plays an important role when emergencies force people from their homes.
Thanks to the ongoing support of donors, businesses, volunteers, and community partners, the Free Goods Program keeps a supply of donated goods on hand that can be mobilized quickly when unexpected needs arise.
We are Always Ready to Respond to Emergencies
In 2023, when wildfires forced thousands of Yellowknife residents to evacuate, many arrived in Calgary. The Free Goods Program helped provide essential items during those first days of displacement.
This isn’t new for the program.
During the 2016 Fort McMurray wildfire, evacuees arriving in Calgary were able to access donated clothing, household items, hygiene products, and furniture as they began rebuilding their lives.
Over the years, the program has also supported people affected by other Alberta wildfires, floods, house fires, and other situations where someone has had to leave home with little warning.
How We Help
What makes that kind of quick response possible is the ordinary work that happens every day. Donations come in, are sorted, and are organized so that when the community needs them, they’re ready to go.
A box of hygiene products, a set of towels, or a few household basics might seem like small things. But for someone who has had to leave home unexpectedly, they can provide a sense of stability while they figure out what comes next.
Every donation has the potential to help in more than one way. The Free Goods Program supports people experiencing homelessness, helps people settle into housing, and provides practical support when emergencies force people from their homes.
It Takes a Community
Learn more about the Free Goods Program by visiting www.freegoodsprogram.ca, and learn how you can help by volunteering or donating. From now until September, all donations will be doubled by the Hope and Aspire Fund up to $100,000.
