Emergency Shelter
Our Calgary Women's Emergency Shelter houses women with children and single women experiencing family violence and abuse, providing a safe haven from violence. Often, women arrive at the Shelter with very few belongings. The Emergency Shelter is equipped to help each woman and their family meet their basic needs, which include food, clothing and toiletries.
When women arrive, they are connected with a Counsellor and will receive counselling, resources, advocacy and support for a variety of situations such as: obtaining housing, dealing with legal issues and navigating the legal system, building a safety plan, and emotional support.
If a woman doesn’t want to come to the Emergency Shelter because she has an alternative place to stay or chooses to stay at home, the Counsellor can refer her to a Community Counsellor who can meet her in a safe place and give her the support she would get within the Emergency Shelter.
During an Emergency Shelter stay, clients are provided with and can access the following services and supports (at no cost):
- A furnished bedroom, including blankets and linens
- Food and toiletries
- A change of clothing and sleepwear
- Diapers, formula and other baby needs
- Safety planning
- Our Court Program
- Individual and group counselling sessions
- Resources in the community (housing, employment, immigration, legal assistance, income support, medical care, basic needs, etc.)
- Referral to a Community Services Counsellor for ongoing support after leaving the Emergency Shelter
Pet Friendly Rooms
Our Emergency Shelter is now equipped with two Pet-Friendly rooms making it easier for women with pets to flee abuse.
Not having a place for pets to go often stops women from leaving abusive and dangerous situations. Victims will delay leaving or some will consider returning to their partner because they fear for the safety of their pets.
Allowing pets in the Shelter will help provide emotional and healing support for women and their children during their stay, and can be life-changing in their journey.
To access the Emergency Shelter or other appropriate services, call our free 24-Hour Family Violence Helpline at 403.234.7233 (SAFE) to speak with a counsellor.
For a virtual tour of the Emergency Shelter, please click here.