The following links are to websites of organizations which provide free or low-cost services for families:
On this page:
Calgary Services
informAlberta.ca (Phone: 211)
Free information on community, health, social and government services available to help you in Calgary.
Fair Entry (Phone: 311)
A program that allows you to apply for multiple services such as low income transit passes, recreation fee assistance, no cost spay/neuter program, and more, with one application.
Calgary Public Library
• With your library card you can read e-books and audiobooks, stream movies and tv, Listen to music, and access other online resources.
• Internet access is available at any branch; visit the website for locations.
Calgary Transit (Phone: 403-262-1000)
Transportation: Calgary Transit offers a subsidized pass to those with low income. Information and applications are available through the following services:
- Calgary Transit: Low-Income Monthly Transit Pass
- Calgary Transit Customer Service Centre
Centre Street Platform
125 – 7 Ave SE
10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. - Bow Parkade
234 – 7 Ave SW
10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Programs and Services for Low-income Calgarians
Apply once for multiple programs and services for low-income Calgarians
School Costs
Learner Income Support and Skills Investment Bursary
Government of Alberta Learner Income Support is a financial support program for adult Alberta residents to access education to help them towards more sustainable employment. Adult learners may qualify for funding to help pay for basic education, upgrading or English as a Second Language (ESL). Visit website for qualification requirements.
Calgary Board of Education
Calgary Board of Education provides school fee waivers. The information is available at your child’s school or on the CBE web site.
Calgary Catholic School District
Calgary Catholic School District makes provisions for families who are unable to pay school fees – speak with the principal at your child’s school for more information.
Alberta Works (Phone: 1-866-644-5135 then dial 0)
Families receiving Income Support or AISH can receive help with school fees from Alberta Works.
Calgary Drop-In Centre Free Goods Program (Phone: 403-699-8276)
Provides lightly used goods, like furniture, kitchenware, clothing, computers, mobile phones, small appliances, books, and more, to low- and no-income Calgarians
The Salvation Army
Free backpacks and school supplies available in August (you must register and bring photo ID).
Clothing
Dress for Success (Phone: 403-225-8555)
Provides free professional attire for women who are working or job searching. Must be referred by an agency.
Goodwill Industries of Alberta (Phone: 1-866-927-1414)
Provides low cost clothes for low income families. Visit the website for locations.
Project Warmth (Phone: 403-259-2254)
A program that provides free gently used winter clothing (Sept-Dec). Must be referred by an agency.
Jacket Racket Calgary (Phone: 403-618-0829)
Provides clean, gently used, winter attire to children in Calgary (mid-Oct to mid-Nov). Distribution is done through the Calgary Board of Education and the Calgary Catholic School District.
Salvation Army Thrift Store
The website provides a list of locations within Alberta.
Salvation Army Calgary Community Support Services (Phone: 403-410-1111)
The Salvation Army gives work boots free to clients with a job confirmation.
Women in Need Thrift Store (Phone: 403-255-5102)
The website provides a list of locations within Calgary.
Once Upon a Child
Two locations in Calgary to find gently used baby and children’s clothing.
My Best Friend’s Closet (Phone: 403-262-5776)
Provides teenage girls with free clothing and accessories to meet their education and recreation needs. Limited to two visits, must be 12-18 years old.
Southeast Calgary Community Resource Centre Clothing Room (Phone: 403-720-3322)
Free clothing, shoes, household items, and small toys available. Hours vary depending on volunteer availability, so please call ahead to ensure the clothing room is open. Bring your own bags.
Food
Society of St. Vincent de Paul Calgary (Phone: 403-250-0319)
A not-for-profit charity that helps low income people in Calgary with emergency food hampers and assistance meeting basic needs.
Sunrise Community Link (Phone: 403-204-8280)
Provides food hampers if you are not able to get one from the Calgary Food Bank. You must live in the Forest Lawn area and have children under 18 years old living in your home. Call for more information.
Calgary Drop-In and Rehab Centre (Phone: 403-266-3600)
Free meals, snacks, and to-go meals throughout the day. Anyone can access the meals. To get food hampers you must have a permanent home address. Hamper can be picked up on Fridays, starting at 3:30 pm.
Calgary Inter-Faith Food Bank (Phone: 403-253-2055)
The Calgary Inter-Faith Food Bank provides free food to low-income people.
The Alex Community Health Centre (Phone: 403-266-2622)
The Alex provides several options for low-income families.
Good Food Box (Phone: 403-538-3788)
Good Food Box is a service provided by the Community Kitchen Program which provides families and individuals with fresh fruit and vegetable food boxes at wholesale prices.
Women’s Centre (Phone: 403-264-1155)
The Women’s Centre has a variety of food programs, from food boxes to grocery vouchers.
Aboriginal Friendship Centre (Phone: 403-270-7379)
Food hampers available (limited quantities so come early) for Aboriginal people. No referral required.
Calgary Drop-in and Rehab Centre (Phone: 403-266-3600)
Meals and snacks available every day. Food hampers also available (3 per year max).
Muslim Families Network Society Halal Food Bank (Phone: 403-466-6367)
Food hampers available with halal food. No referral needed, but appointments are required, limit is 6 hampers a year.
Jewish Family Service Calgary Kosher Food Bank (Phone: 403-287-3510)
Provides small kosher food hampers. Appointment required, limited to one hamper a month.
Housing/Utilities
Calgary Housing Company (Phone: 587-390-1200)
The Calgary Housing Company provides subsidized rent.
The Red Cross (Phone: 403-541-6119)
The Red Cross provides a Community Housing Project for low-income people living in Calgary.
The Distress Centre (Phone: 403-266-1601)
Direct to Tenant Rent Supplement Program (Phone: 403-297-7453)
Housing and Urban Affairs offers a subsidy paid directly to an eligible tenant to assist with their rental costs.
YWCA (Phone: 403-263-1550)
YWCA provides support for women and their children towards finding affordable housing.
Inn from the Cold (Phone: 403-263-8384)
Inn from the Cold provides housing assistance and affordable housing.
Attainable Homes (Phone: 403-265-9935)
Attainable Homes works to provide accessible houses for purchase.
1010 Centre (Phone: 403-767-2427)
The 1010 Centre provides low-income housing and housing support in downtown Calgary.
Brenda Strafford Society (Phone: 403-270-7240)
Supports people at risk who have experienced family violence to live safely and successfully. Provides a safe housing environment and comprehensive support services so that those at risk of domestic violence can live safely in the community upon their departure from the Centre.
City of Calgary
Information about affordable housing and programs available for low-income tenants.
Residential Access Modification Program (RAMP) (Phone: 1-877-427-5760)
Information for grants for low income Albertans with mobility challenges needing to modify their home.
PEAK Initiative (Phone: 587-296-2283)
A home ownership program for employed individuals who are unable to save enough money for a down-payment on their home.
Habitat for Humanity (Phone: 403-253-9331)
Builds homes and sells them to families through a no down-payment, no-interest mortgage, with monthly payments customized to their income level. Check website for eligibility requirements.
The Home Upgrades Program
The Home Upgrades Program offers fully subsidised energy efficient upgrades to help lower-income households reduce their energy bills. Upgrades range from high-efficiency furnaces and attic insulation to air sealing measures and are fully free for income-qualified households. The program is delivered by Kambo Energy Group and Alberta Ecotrust Foundation, with support from a diverse group of funders, including the City of Calgary and ENMAX.
Baby Needs
Best Beginning (Phone: 403-228-8221)
Best Beginning is a Calgary Health Region program that provides free information, support and referrals for pregnant women. Milk, vitamins and food are available as well.
Made by Momma
Provides services for mothers with young children who are affected by short-term or life-changing adversity. Services include providing healthy meals, baby and child items and essentials, in-home support, and other services.
Healthy Parents Healthy Children
An online resource for information about pregnancy, newborns, and childcare.
Charlie’s Children
A new community program—created by Travis and Stephanie Hamonic and supported by the Calgary Flames Foundation, Women In Need Society (WINS) and West Coast Kids—that supports low income families and single parents expecting a newborn with essential baby gear and baby supplies.
Healthy Babies Network (Phone: 403-777-7635)
Support for low income women, teens, immigrants, single parents, Aboriginal, Metis and Inuit. Access to basic baby needs items, such as nutritional supplements to ensure a healthy start for babies. Pre/Post-natal support and information.
Children’s Milk Program (Phone: 403-253-2059)
Provides milk and baby formula for low-income families. Professional referral required.
Bare Bottoms Diaper Drive (Phone: 403-319-0829)
Provides diapers for children in low-income families.
Health Services
Alberta Child Health Benefit (Phone: 1-877-469-5437)
ACHB provides premium-free: dental, optical, diabetic and prescription drug coverage, and emergency ambulance to children.
Alberta Adult Health Benefit (Phone: 780‑427‑6848)
Covers health benefits for Albertans in low-income households. Also includes children who are 18 and 19 years old that attend high school and live at home.
Alberta Health Services – Dental Treatment (Phone: 403-955-6888 or 403-944-9999)
Information about dental services available to low-income clients.
Calgary Region Health Centres
Call the Calgary Region Health Authority for information on health centres.
Canadian Dental Care Plan
The Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) aims to make the cost of dental care more affordable for eligible Canadian residents.
CUPS (Calgary Urban Project Society) (Phone: 403-221-8780)
Provides free basic health care and dental clinics.
Wood’s Homes
A non-profit children’s mental health centre that provides treatment and support for children, youth, and families with mental health needs. Includes free virtual therapy video sessions with support from a team of professionals, including psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, and family therapists.
The Alex (Phone: 403-520-2260)
A community health center for low income people without family doctors. Provides medical care, social supports, pharmacy services, chiropractor and massage therapy, chronic disease nurses, and optometry. The Youth Health Center (same location) provides supportive service to youth aged 12-24, including medical checkups, counselling, STD and pregnancy testing, and prescription drug services. Many other community services are also available.
Superstore
One pair of free glasses available (once a year, select frames) for children aged 4-10. Please call and confirm that the location you choose to go to provides this service. A list of locations is available here.
Indigenous Health and Nutrition Team – Chronic Disease Management (Phone: 403-955-6624)
Support for Indigenous adults with weight loss, improving health when living with chronic illnesses (such as diabetes, high blood pressure, arthritis, etc.) For more info contact, indigenoushealthprogram@ahs.ca.
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Mental Health Resources
- Calgary Counselling Centre (Phone: 833-827-4229)
- Provides counselling with no wait list or financial barriers to children, youth, and their families.
- Distress Centre Calgary (Phone: 403-266-4357)
- The Distress Centre provides 24 hour crisis support, counselling, youth peer support, and referrals at no cost.
- Hope for Wellness Help Line (Phone: 1-855-242-3310)
- Hope for Wellness Help Line offers 24 hour mental health counselling and crisis intervention for Indigenous people in Canada. Phone and chat counselling is available in English and French. On request, phone counselling is also available in: Cree, Ojibway, and Inuktitut.
- Kids Help Phone (Phone: 1-800-668-6868)
- Text, call, or online chat support for kids and teens.
- Lionheart Foundation (Phone: 587-900-6355)
- Lionheart Foundation provides financial support for therapy and related supports for adolescents experiencing anxiety-related issues and their families.
- Steps to Support
- A guide for what to do and say when someone you know is going through a hard time.
Sports/Recreation/Entertainment
Calgary Parks & Recreation (Phone: 403-268-3888)
Fee assistance, subsidies for programs, pools, leisure centres, golf clubs are available.
YMCA Calgary (Phone: 403-237-9622)
Fee assistance is available for memberships, programs, camps, and child care. Call your nearest location for more information or visit the link above.
KidSport Calgary (Phone: 403-202-0251)
Financial assistance and/or equipment for kids to participate in organized sports.
Girl Guides of Canada: Calgary Area (Phone: 403-283-8348)
Encourages girls to reach their potential. Financial assistance is available.
Scouts Canada: Calgary (Phone: 403-283-4993)
Adventure and the outdoors combined with educational activities. Financial assistance is available.
Trellis (formerly the Boys & Girls Clubs of Calgary) (Phone: 403-276-9981)
Trellis offers various recreation programs for children and youth.
Kids Up Front (Phone: 403-444-4318)
Become referred by one of their partners (including the Burns Memorial Fund) to receive free tickets to various events in Calgary.
Canadian Tire Jumpstart
Provides grants for children to participate in sporting programs.
Comrie’s Sports Equipment Bank (Phone: 403-569-1172)
Provides free hockey equipment and other sports gear.
Special Olympics Calgary (Phone: 403-735-1022)
Provides affordable sports programs to individuals with intellectual disabilities.
Between Friends (Phone: 403-269-9133)
Provides recreational opportunities for individuals with disabilities.
Newcomers to Canada
Calgary Immigrant Women’s Association (Phone: 403-263-4414)
CIWA offers services for immigrant and refugee women, youth, children and families.
Immigrant Services Calgary (Phone: 403-265-1120)
Services include language assistance and vocational assessment.
Calgary Catholic Immigration Society (Phone: 403-262-2006)
Business and employment training services are available.
Centre for Newcomers (Phone: 403-569-3325)
Family programs, language training and employment counselling are available.
New Canadian Friendship Centre (Phone: 587-390-0770)
Offers ESL Programs, conversation practice, citizenship test preparation, and support for newcomers.
Windmill Microlending (Phone: 403-228-9981)
Micro loans provided to immigrants with international training so they can obtain the Canadian licensing or training they need to continue to work in their field.
Calgary Immigrant Educational Society (Phone: 403-235-3666)
Program for immigrants in the areas of learning English, employment training, and settlement.
Calgary Public Library (Phone: 403-260-2600)
Educational and community programs for immigrants. Resources on ESL, citizenship, and settlement.
Immigrant Youth Outreach Project (IYOP) (Phone: 403-268-8131)
Assists immigrant and refugee youth to overcome cultural, linguistic and employment barriers by providing information and support in the areas of education, employment, and life skills training.
Youth Connections- Elementary (Phone: 403-262-2013 )
This program matches Canadian students and newcomer students within a school setting, by introducing them to the school, helping them meet new friends, and making them feel comfortable.
LGBTQ+ Resources
Skipping Stone Foundation (403-988-9138)
Low barrier access to mental health and medical transition support for trans and gender diverse youth. Workshops, scholarships, and peer support also available.
The Centre for Sexuality (previously Calgary Sexual Health Centre) (Phone: 403-283-5580) Multiple supports and services available for LGBTQ+ youth and their families. Free counselling and resources.
Trellis: Aura Program (Phone: 403-276-9981)
Safe and supportive housing for LGBT youth between the ages of 14-24.
Calgary Queer Arts Society (Phone: 403-244-1956)
Provides programs, workshops, and events with the aim of empowering the LGBT community to share their stories. Volunteer opportunities available.
Calgary Outlink (Phone: 403-234-8973)
Provides peer support, peer groups, connections to the LGBTQ+ community, referrals, and educational opportunities. Online resources available.
Queermunity (Phone: 403-520-6270; Text: 403-680-9627)
An LGBTQ+ youth group (ages 12-24) which provides information, resources and community. Drop-in on Mondays – 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the Alex Youth Health Centre – #104, 2840 2 Ave SE.
Mosaic Youth Group
A peer-facilitated group for LGBTQ youth and allies, ages 10-25. Drop-in on Wednesdays – 7 to 9 p.m. at Community Wise Resource Centre – 223 12 Ave SW.
Queer Youth of Colour
A collective dedicated to providing a safe space for queer youth of colour and spreading awareness on intersectionality. Drop in on Thursdays 5-7pm at the Centre for Sexuality- 1509 Centre Street S #700.
TransFamilies Calgary
Support and resources for trans individuals and their families.
General Services
Alberta Scholarship and Bursaries
Information about where and how to apply for a scholarship or bursary to help with educational needs.
Programs for Children, Teens and Youth
A list of services and resources in Calgary for youth (educational, employment, health, mentorship, legal aid, and more).
Carya Calgary (Phone: 403-269-9888)
Formerly Calgary Family Services. Provides individual counselling and group programs for all ages to strengthen families and provide support.
Calgary Association of Self Help (Phone: 403-266-8711)
The Calgary Association of Self Help offers programs and support for adults with mental illness.
Families Matter (Phone: 403-205-5178)
Provides parenting support, classes, and in-home support programs to families.
Tails of Help
Covers veterinary bills and pet ownership costs.
AARCS: Alberta Animal Rescue Crew Society (Phone: 403-250-7377)
To carry out their mission of ensuring that all pets are receiving basic food needed for a healthy, sustainable life, the Pet Food Program helps low-income families or families that have found themselves in difficult times. Program capacity is limited and only for dogs, cats and some small animals.
Calgary Legal Guidance (Phone: 403-234-9266)
Offers free and confidential legal advice at evening clinics and outreach clinics to low income Calgarians who do not qualify for Legal Aid.
