Topic: Calgary Support

Storefront 101
Have you ever dreamed of taking a university course but didn't think it was possible?  Now it is!

Storefront 101, based o­n the Clemente Program is a free university level humanities course offered in the evening at a location in downtown Calgary.  It is an adult education project that delivers a multi-disciplinary humanities curriculum to low-income people.

A warm welcome to all of our new readers who have found us through a City of Calgary Single Parent Focus Group.

If you're a single and/or low income parent in the Calgary area then we've complied a list of support for you. Click o­n the below links to go to each area.

• Help with Social Benefits ( click here )
• Where to go for Financial Help ( click here )
• Security Deposit Loans ( click here )
• Family Violence/Abuse ( click here )
• Low Cost Rent ( click here )

The Housing Registry Network is a project of Connect Calgary. Housing Registry Network matches people with extra, low cost, space for rent with people who need the service.

The website also has links to more traditional society's such as The Calgary Housing Authority.

Check it out o­nline at www.lowcostRENT.org or call (403) 277-RENT

Abuse and violence come in many forms. Everyone is aware that hitting is violence, but name calling, financial control, forced or unwanted sex, and social isolation are other forms of abuse.

Calgarians care and want to see the violence end. The following are just a few of the many services that can help you:

• Emergency Shelters
  • Awo Taan Native Woman's Shelter: 531-1972
  • Calgary Women's Emergency Shelter: 232-8717
  • Discovery House: 277-0718
  • Kerby Rotary House (Seniors): 705-3250
  • YWCA Sheriff King Home: 266-0707
• Children
  • Alberta Children's Hospital Child Abuse Program: 229-7886
  • Calgary Rocky View Child & Family Services: 297-2995
  • Children's Cottage - Crisis Nursery: 233-2273
  • YWCA Sheriff King Home: 266-4111
• Police/Legal
  • Calgary Legal Guidance: 234-9266
  • Calgary Police Services: 266-1234
  • Child Witness Court Preparation: 289-8385
  • Court Preparation (Adult): 716-6478
  • Legal Aid Society: 297-2260
  • Victim Assistance (Police): 206-8398

The Calgary Rent Bank How It Works

The Calgary Rent Bank provides loans for rent and utility arrears, as well as security rent deposits and utility deposits. Participants of the program are expected to repay their loan monthly over a 2-year period and participate in two money management workshops on topics such as budgeting, credit repair, asset building, and responsible consumerism. Loan interest is at 1.5% above prime, but is refunded to the client when the loan is paid back in full and when you have attended both of the 2-hour workshops.

Benefits to You

• Secures stable housing or prevents eviction.
• Builds knowledge and skills in effective money management.
• Rebuilds and/or establishes a credit rating.
• Asset-building (i.e., security or utility deposit).

Who Can Apply?

You can apply if you:

• Are 18 years old and above.
• Are employed or receive income assistance.
• Your total household income is at or below the following guidelines:
  • Household Size Income Limit 1 person $20 337
  • 2 people $25 319
  • 3 people $31 126
  • 4 people $37 791
  • 5 people $42 862

Program Dates Applications for loans are done on an on-going basis. Applicants must fill out an application form through a referring community agency.

How to Apply?

If you are currently accessing services from a local community organization ask them if they can help you fill out an application form. Otherwise fill out an application at one of the following community agencies:

• SE Sunrise Community Link Resource Centre 204-8280
• Patch Project - Dover 273-3984
• Millican-Ogden Community Association - Family Resource Centre 720-3322
• SW Aboriginal Resource Centre 204-0083
• West Central Resource Centre 543-0555
• NE Aspen Family and Community Network 219-3477
• Awo Taan Native Women's Shelter 531-1970 ext. 200
• Heart of the NE Community Centre 293-5467
• North of McKnight Resource Centre 293-0424
• NW Bow West Resource Centre 216-5348

For further information contact the Calgary Rent Bank information line at 207-0148.

The Alberta Child Health Benefit

• Provides free basic health benefits for children under 18 in low-income families living in Alberta. There is no cost to enroll and no premiums are charged
• Provides dental care, eyewear, prescription drugs, ambulance service, & essential diabetic supplies
• People who qualify for this will often also qualify for Alberta Health Care Premium Subsidies.
• For more information contact:
  • 1-877-469-5437
  • achb@gov.ab.ca
  • www.gov.ab.ca/hre/achb/

• The City of Calgary Fee Assistance
  • Available to residents of Calgary in financial need to aid with costs related to, but not limited to, the following:
    • Program Registration, Admission to Pools & Leisure Centres, Zoo Admission, Fort Calgary Admission, Admission to the Talisman Centre & VRRI, Calgary Science Centre Admission and Heritage Park Admission
  • For more information contact:
    • Fee Assistance Information Line (403) 268-3888
      Mon-Fri 8:30am - 7:00pm and Sat/Sun 10am - 3pm
      
      
• The Burns Memorial Fund
  • Senator Patrick Burns died in 1937 but established a trust fund to benefit the poor, indigent or neglected children o­n Calgary. His will ensured that a trust fund from his estate would provide for the welfare of low-income Calgary children whose families are unable to provide for a particular need.
  • The scope that the Burns Memorial Fund covers is so vast it is impossible to list it all here. A very few examples that the average family would apply for are:
    • Dental/Medical treatment
    • Winter Clothing
    • Back to school clothing
    • Baby necessities
    • Special needs equipment or services
  • On average the fund will pay $200 per child every two years if needed
  • If you have any financial need for your children that you can not meet, please contact the Burns Memorial Fund for more information at:
    • The Burns Memorial Fund
      #1109, 615 Macleod Trail SE
      Calgary, AB T2G 4T8
    • Phone: (403) 234-9396
    • Fax: (403) 233-0513
    • info@burnsfund.com

Calgary Legal Guidance

Anyone who has applied for or received SFI, AISH, EI, WCB, CPP and other Social Benefits know that it can be and overwhelming process if things don't go smoothly. If you find yourself in need to appeal, fill out extra forms, attend hearings, or just plain get your message across then Calgary Legal Guidance is there to help you. This FREE Service will ensure that you understand the eligibility points for benefits, help you to decipher the official letters that you are receiving, answer questions about rights to school, training and employment programs and any other information in any area that might arise during the benefits application period. Contact Calgary Legal Guidance today for a free and prompt appointment at (403) 234-9266