This pamphlet discusses some of the main resources in Edmonton and Alberta for those experiencing poverty, including information about housing, mental health support, financial empowerment and support, childcare, transit, education and career resources, and more.
Housing
How to Apply for Provincial Affordable Housing
Answer a few questions about your household income, citizenship status, preferred locations, and number of family members at this website: https://findhousing.alberta.ca/
When you finish the questionnaire, you can see housing options that may be a good fit for you. You will then contact the operators of those housing options. Since housing for Albertans with low income is in high demand, there may be a delay before a suitable unit becomes available. Each housing operator may keep a waitlist when there are no vacancies. Priority is given to households based on their needs. This means if another household has greater need for housing and applies after you, they may have priority for housing first. Priority is based on the household’s current situation, percentage of income paid to rent, any emergency situations, and other factors. It is important to keep your application up to date and inform a housing operator of any changes to you or your household’s circumstances.
To be eligible for provincial affordable housing programs:
Applicants must have an income below a certain limit as determined by the market for that particular community.
Applicants must either be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, refugee, applicant of refugee or immigrant status, or landed immigrant for whom private sponsorship has broken down.
Applicants must meet any other eligibility requirements from the housing provider.
Income thresholds:
For Edmonton in 2023, an applicant’s income must fall below
$37,000 for a bachelor suite
$44, 000 for a 1-bedroom unit
$54, 000 for a 2-bedroom unit
$67, 000 for a 3-bedroom unit
$71, 500 for a 4+ bedroom unit
For income thresholds for other communities, please visit https://open.alberta.ca/publications/income-thresholds
Rent Supplement Program
The Rent Supplement Program helps make rental accommodation more affordable by subsidizing rent. Local housing providers are still responsible for management and tenant selection for this program. There are two types of benefits:
Rent Assistance Benefit (formerly the Direct to Tenant Rent Supplement)
A long-term benefit available to subsidize rent for Albertans with low income. Benefit features:
paid directly to the tenants
available through most housing management bodies in Alberta
households are eligible if they are below the local income thresholds
the amount is based on household income and the local market rent
households are prioritized based on need
may be renewed annually
there are no limits to renewing if the tenant is eligible
Temporary Rent Assistance Benefit
A modest subsidy for working households with low income or for those between jobs. Support is intended to help tenants afford their rent while they stabilize or improve their situation. Benefit features:
paid directly to the tenants
available in Calgary, Edmonton, Fort McMurray, Grande Prairie, Lethbridge, Medicine Hat and Red Deer and surrounding areas
households are eligible if they are below the local income thresholds and employed or have been employed in the last two years and are not receiving social assistance, including:
Income support
Learner Income Support
Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped (AISH)
Alberta Seniors Benefit
Guaranteed Income Supplement
Old Age Security
the amount is calculated based on the household size and location. The amount will be reduced in the second year.
there is a 2-year limit with eligibility reassessed after the first year
households are prioritized on a first-come, first-served basis
households can reapply for rent assistance at the end of 2 years
Community Housing
The Community Housing Program provides subsidized rental housing for families, seniors, and individuals with low income who cannot afford other housing options due to circumstance.
A tenant’s rent, including heat, water, and sewer expenses, is based on 30% of a household’s total annual income. The rent does not include electricity, phone, TV, or other additional services like parking.
Seniors Apartments
Sometimes known as the Seniors Self-contained Housing program, the program provides apartment-style housing to seniors who are able to live independently with or without the assistance of community-based services. Applicants must be at least 65 years of age, but exceptions can be made for applicants in special circumstances.
A tenant’s rent, including heat, water, and sewer expenses, is based on 30% of a household's adjusted income. The rent does not include electricity, phone, TV, or other additional services like parking.
Seniors Lodge
The Seniors Lodge program provides rooms, meals, housekeeping, and recreation for functionally independent seniors. Community based services may help to offer these services. A seniors lodge can be appropriate for those who do not require a specialized health care facility. Applicants must be at least 65 years of age but exceptions can be made in special circumstances.
Management and resident selection is done by local housing providers, and each provider sets their own rates and rates can vary between regions. Regardless of the rate, each resident must be left with at least $357 in monthly disposable income.
Special Needs Housing
Special needs housing is available for individuals with special housing needs like:
people with developmental disabilities
people with physical challenges
victims of family violence
wards of the provincial government
the hard-to-house
other groups with special housing needs
What to do if you have an apartment but can’t afford rent
You can apply for any of the above benefits. If you have an eviction notice due to missed rent payments, you may also be able to access emergency financial assistance through Alberta Works to help pay back your debt. To apply for this funding go to your nearest Alberta Supports Centre or call 780-644-9992.
If you are facing an eviction due to rental arrears, utility arrears, or other emergency costs and are unable to access emergency benefits from Income Support, the Bissell Centre’s Community Bridge program may be able to help with emergency financial benefits and other intervention.
For more information, call 780-423-2285, Ext. 111, or go to their website at https://bissellcentre.org/programs/individual/community-bridge/. Arrears are any money that is owed or that should have been paid earlier.
Legal Rights under the Residential Tenancy Act
If you feel you are being wrongfully evicted, contact Tenant Support Services (780-496-5959) for more information about your legal rights. Student Legal Services’ Civil Law project (780-492-8244) or the Edmonton Community Legal Centre (780-702-1725) may be able to help you at a Residential Tenancies Dispute Resolution Services hearing.
For more information on your rights and obligations as a tenant, see our Landlord and Tenant pamphlet. It is available at our outreaches and at www.slsedmonton.com
You can also access a directory of housing programs by calling 211. Below, some of the other housing programs available in Edmonton are described, including: Housing First, Permanent Supportive Housing, Subsidized Housing, and Transitional Housing programs.
Housing First
Housing First can help pay for a damage deposit and other set-up costs associated with moving into an apartment. Housing First can also temporarily provide a rental subsidy and other personal supports to help you transition into living independently in an apartment. Edmonton’s Housing First program is administered by Homeward Trust and can be accessed by contacting Homeward Trust’s Coordinated Access program at 780-702-5267.
There are also several community agencies that can help you access the Housing First program, including:
Bent Arrow Traditional Healing Society (780-481-3451)
Bent Arrow provides unique services for Indigenous people
Bill Rees YMCA Homeward Bound program (780-429-9622)
Bissell Centre (780-423-2285)
Boyle Street Community Services (780-424-4106)
E4C Case Management (780-424-7543)
George Spady Centre (587-524-1530)
Hope Mission (780-422-2018)
Jasper Place Wellness Centre (https://www.jpwc.ca/)
Mustard Seed (833-448-4673)
Pathways to Housing (780-497-7146)
Pathways to Housing specializes in housing people who are chronically homeless and live with complex mental illness and addictions
To enter into a housing program, you must have some form of income (e.g. Alberta Works income support, AISH, CPP, GIS, OAS, or employment) and be willing to spend part of that income on paying rent and utilities.
Subsidized Housing
You can also apply for subsidized housing through other housing providers:
Civida (780-420-6161)
Civida provides affordable housing, grants, and advice to tenants and their families.
Rental Assistance Benefits (RAB) are paid directly to Civida subsidy recipients to help make their rent with a private landlord (not Civida) more affordable.
Boyle Street Community Services’ Northstar Apartments (780-424-4106)
For seniors:
Greater Edmonton Foundation (14220-109 Avenue; 780-482-6561)
Operation Friendship Seniors Society (9520-108 Avenue; 780-429-2626)
Transitional Housing & Second-Stage Shelters
Transitional housing programs offer temporary accommodations and supports to people transitioning into independent apartment living.
For women and children:
Call the Alberta Council of Women’s Shelters hotline: 1-866-331-3933
The confidential hotline can connect you to all available shelters in your area.
WIN House Crisis line: 780-479-0058
Women’s Emergency Accommodation Centre (WEAC): 780-423-5302
Lurana Shelter Crisis line: 780-424-5875
Adeara Recovery Centre: 780-423-5516
For Youth
Edmonton John Howard Society
NOVA: 780-477-0104 (for youth ages 16-24)
The LOFT: 780-486-7590 (for males ages 16-24)
Hope Mission (780-422-2018)
Boyle Street Community Services’ Group Living (for children and youth ages 2-22) (780-424-4106)
For Men
Hope Mission (780-422-2018)
Other Housing
Salvation Army (780-424-9222)
Mental Health
Those experiencing mental health issues are at a higher risk to experience poverty and those experiencing poverty have higher levels of stress, which can lead to more mental health issues. If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 911.
Distress Lines and Helplines
The 24-hour Distress Line is open 7 days a week. It provides confidential, non-judgmental, and short-term crisis intervention, emotional support, and resources to people in crisis. It also supports family, friends, and caregivers to those who are in crisis. Please call 780-482-4357
The Distress Line provides:
Crisis intervention
Suicide prevention
Family violence prevention
Emergency intervention and response
Emotional support
Referrals to community resources
When you call, the listener will:
Listen to your situation
Provide emotional support
Explore options with you
Connect you with local resources and referrals
When it is easier to type than talk, you can chat with highly trained volunteers over the Crisis Chat service. The Crisis Chat Service is available weekdays from 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm and weekends from 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm. Go to this website to chat: https://edmonton.cmha.ca/programs-services/online-crisis-chat/
Please note that chat volunteers do not provide therapy, treatment, health care, medical care, or advice.
The Seniors’ Abuse Helpline is also available to provide support and resources to those who are experiencing seniors’ abuse or concerned about someone else experiencing seniors’ abuse. The Seniors’ Abuse Helpline is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Please call 780-454-8888.
Brite Line is a safe space where 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals can connect to supports. Trained staff and volunteers will help callers connect with community supports that address their specific needs. Please call 1-844-702-7483.
Togetherall is a clinically moderated, online peer-to-peer mental health community that empowers individuals to anonymously seek and provide mental health support 24/7. Togetherall also has free tools, courses, and resources to help you. Togetherall is free to all Albertans aged 16+, and you can register using your Alberta postal code at this website: https://account.v2.togetherall.com/register/area
Financial Empowerment
Income Support
Income Support can help people and families with basic living costs and necessities. Eligibility for Income Support depends on your needs and situation. You can apply online for supports at this website: https://myalbertasupports.alberta.ca/CitizenPortal/application.do
You can also call 1-877-644-9992 or visit one of the Alberta Supports Centres in Edmonton (see page 24).
There is also 24-hour emergency income support available to help with basic needs like shelter, food, clothing, and transportation. Please call 1-866-644-5135.
For more information on Income Support and other social welfare benefits and support, please see Student Legal Services’ Social Welfare Benefits pamphlet at https://www.slsedmonton.com/civil-law-topics
Four Directions Financial
Four Directions Financial is an ATB agency that ensures Edmontonians experiencing homelessness or living in poverty can open a bank account with a mainstream financial institution. Four Directions Financial offers the same products and services, like cashing cheques and saving money in a safe place, that are found in any ATB location. While Four Directions Financial was developed in partnership with Boyle Street Community Services, you do not need to be a Boyle Street Community Services client to bank there.
Four Directions is located at 10010 107a Ave and is open 10:00 am to 2:00 pm Monday to Friday. You can call them at 780-426-3848.
e4c Make Tax Time Pay
This program gives low-income Edmontonians access to help when preparing and filing their taxes. Tax filing appointments are free and assist people in applying for available benefits and subsidies. Make Tax Time pay clinics also provide financial education information and opportunities.
How to use Make Tax Time Pay:
Receive your T-slips. These come in the mail from your employer, the government, or other benefits agencies.
Go in-person to a clinic. They do not take appointments and operate on a first-come, first-served basis so you should arrive early.
Complete your taxes. Your taxes will be done over the phone with a volunteer.
Receive your copy and eligible refunds. You will receive a paper copy of your tax filing in the mail in 2-4 weeks along with any refunds, credits, or benefits.
For information on upcoming clinics, visit https://tax.e4calberta.org/
Empower U
Empower U is a program focused on women living with low incomes. Participants attend financial literacy workshops and save for an asset that will help them move ahead financially. For every dollar a participant saves, they receive two dollars as part of the matched savings program. Call United Way at 780-990-1000 for more information.
Participants learn how to:
Save money
Reduce debt
Improve credit
Budget
Set short term and long-term financial goals
Become a homeowner
Invest money for you or their children’s education
Access government benefits and subsidies
Beyond Food
Edmonton’s Food Bank, along with partner organizations and community agencies, provides free services to help low-income people with literacy, education, employment preparation, and financial and tax services. You do not have to be using the food bank to use these programs. See page 15 for more information on Beyond Food.
Their financial and tax services include:
Tax clinics
Money coaching
Budget review debt and credit questions
Ask-a-banker
Help in filling out forms and applications
Child Care
You can call Child Care Connect toll free at 1-844-644-5165 for help finding child care or for any questions you might have about childcare in Alberta.
Child Care Subsidy
Subsidies are available to offset the cost of childcare for eligible low-income families if they have a child enrolled in a licensed facility-based program or family day home program overseen by a licensed family day home agency. Maximum subsidy rates vary by the program type, the age of the child attending childcare, the total family income, and the amount of hours the child attends each month.
How to apply:
You can apply for the child care subsidy if:
You, your partner, or the child receiving care are Canadian citizens or permanent residents of Canada
You or your partner are Alberta residents
You or your partner are currently:
Working or looking for work
Attending school
Have special needs, or your child has a special need
Your children are 12 years of age or younger and are not yet attending grade 7
Your children have a spot in a licensed facility-based program with day care or out-of-school care programming, or family day home program that is overseen by a licensed agency
Your total family income is less than $90,000 per year
Income eligibility is determined by combining you and your partner’s income tax information from your most recent Notice of Assessment, issued by the Canada Revenue Agency
Income is based on Line 150000 (gross income) subtracted by any amounts that are reported on Line 32000 (education related tax deductions), and Lines 33099 and 33199 (medical related tax deductions)
If there is a recent loss of income, or if you and your partner were not required to file a Canadian tax return, you can request to be evaluated on current income and deduction estimates by calling the Alberta Supports Contact Centre.
Phone: 780-644-9992
Toll free: 1-877-644-9992
During the application process, you will be required to create a MyAlberta Digital ID account which is used for interacting with Government of Alberta online programs and services. It will give you access to apply for childcare subsidy. It also allows you to save an application you are in the process of completing. Create a MyAlberta Digital ID at this website: https://account.alberta.ca/
You will then need to find out if you are eligible to receive a childcare subsidy.
You can apply online through the Child Care Subsidy Application which you can find at this website: https://applychildcaresubsidy.alberta.ca/ You can also apply using a form, but this takes longer to process.
After you apply:
After you submit your application, your information will be assessed. If you meet certain conditions, you will receive a two-month conditional subsidy while your application is assessed. If you do not meet the conditional acceptance requirements, you will receive the subsidy once the application is approved.
Each subsidy starts at the beginning of the month. You can apply as early as one month before your child is starting childcare.
You can renew your subsidy a month before the end date to minimize any interruptions in your subsidy payments. You will receive a renewal notice by email or mail to remind you when it is time to renew.
If your situation changes while you are receiving the subsidy, it can impact how much subsidy you are eligible for. Send changes online during the month the change occurs when there is:
A change in your address and contact information
A change to your reason for care, like if you or your partner are not working, not looking for work, or not attending school
A change in your marital status
A change in the number of children requiring care
A decrease in income
A change in the program your child is attending
A change of an applicant, co-applicant, or dependent name
Transit
Ride Transit Program
This program allows eligible low-income Edmontonians to purchase youth or adult monthly transit passes at a subsidized rate of $35 or $50, depending on your household income. An eligible household is yourself, your partner, and dependent children aged 17 or younger. Dependents over 17 need to submit a separate application form. To calculate total household income, add the total incomes from line 15000 of you and your partner’s previous year’s Notice of Assessment.
Eligibility:
If your income is less than the low-income cut-offs plus 10%, or you qualify from one of the following eligibility criteria, you qualify for a $35 monthly transit pass.
You are on AISH (Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped) or you receive the CPP – Disability Benefit (Canada Pension Plan)
You are on Government of Alberta Income Support or Learner Income Support
You are a new Permanent Resident or a refugee (must have been in Canada less than one year and have not filed a tax return)
You are a child under government care
You are receiving government Employment Insurance (EI) (only the individual receiving EI will be eligible).
If your income is between 10% and 25% above the low-income cut-offs, you qualify for a $50 monthly transit pass.
To see the low-income cut-offs, please visit: https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/t1/tbl1/en/tv.action?pid=1110024101
To apply:
If you are not a member of the City of Edmonton’s Leisure Access Program, fill out the Leisure Access and Ride Transit Programs application Form which can be found here: https://www.edmonton.ca/sites/default/files/public-files/assets/transit/LeisureAccessProgramApplication.pdf
The approval process takes about 2-3 weeks. You will receive a letter or email once you are approved. For more information on the Leisure Access Program, please see page 18.
The fastest way to have a completed application reviewed is by dropping it off at Edmonton Tower, 2nd floor, mail slot near the ETS Lost and Found (10111 104 Avenue NW).
You can also mail your application to:
Leisure Access & Ride Transit Program
PO Box 2359
Edmonton, AB, T5J 2R7
Providing Accessible Transit Here (PATH)
PATH is a City of Edmonton program that provides free monthly transit passes to individuals experiencing homelessness or who are at high risk of experiencing homelessness. There are several social service agencies in Edmonton which distribute these passes:
Bissell Centre: 10527 96 Street
Boyle Street Community Services: 10116 105 Avenue NW
Boyle Street Education Centre: 10312 105 Street
Dickinsfield Amity House: 9213 146 Ave NW
Hope Mission: 9908 106 Ave NW
iHuman Youth Society: 9635 102A Avenue
Native Counselling Services of Alberta: 14904 121a Avenue
Old Strathcona Youth Society
Pathways to Housing: 10742 95 St
Youth Empowerment Support Services: 9310 82 Avenue
The Neighbour Centre: 10050 81 Ave NW
Mosaic Centre - Mustard Seed: 6504 132 Ave NW
Education, Skill Development, and Career Resources
There are many resources to assist low-income people access education, skill development, and career resources in Edmonton. The following names a few:
The Hallway Café
A social enterprise café that works with at-risk youth ages 16 – 24, to help them achieve educational and employment success. There are three streams: Youth in the outreach stream get one-to-one support, connections to other services, and access to education and life skills. Youth in the employment readiness stream attend a 17 week, hands on training in the café where the youth learn employment and life skills. Finally, Fresh Start School connects youth to a self-directed approach to completing high school or earning high school credits. Hallway Café is located at 1 Sir Winston Churchill Square. You can call them at 780-413-8060.
hiregood
hiregood hires clients of Boyle Street Community Services who want to find meaningful employment, most of whom are experiencing homelessness and poverty. They hire youth, adults, and seniors. It is based out of Boyle Street Ventures Inc. at 10010 107a Ave. You can call them at 780-426-0500. Taskers do many services, including cleaning and sanitation, junk removal, moving, cleaning, and general labour.
Beyond Food
Edmonton’s Food Bank, along with partner organizations and community agencies, provides free services to help low-income people with literacy, education, employment preparation, and financial and tax services. You do not have to be using the food bank to use these programs. Please call 780-425-2133 ext. 228 to learn more about Beyond Food.
Their Learning Lab helps with the following:
Literacy and Education
Reading
Writing
Math
English language academic upgrading
Digital literacy
Employment preparation
Safety tickets
First aid
Job interview practice
Resumes
Cover letters
Job fairs employer connector
Job fairs transitional and industry-specific career training
Work experience
Financial & Tax Services (see page 8)
Practical resources & personal supports
Support
Resources
Referral information
System navigation and advocacy
Newcomer and settlement services
Family and disability supports
MCG Careers Employment Preparation for Careers in Construction (EPIC Program)
If you are seeking a career in the construction industry, MCG Careers can provide the tools you need at no cost. Services include:
Individualized services
Short course certification
On-the-job training and support
Please call 780-448-1380.
Income Assistance
You can receive money to help meet your basic needs like food, clothing, shelter, and health care through programs like Income Support, Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped (AISH), Canada Pension Plan (CPP), and Old Age Security (OAS).
If you are in a financial emergency and desperately need money to cover your rent, utilities, food, the cost of relocating in the event of domestic violence, the cost of travelling to court, or other needs, you can ask Income Support for emergency benefits. Call 1-877-644-9992. Your income support worker can give you money for emergency situations. Afterhours, you can also call 24/7 Emergency Income Support at 1-866-644-5135.
If you have a “severe” handicap, you can collect income through AISH and/or CPP Disability. You will need to speak with your doctor about applying for AISH.
If you have applied for Income Support or AISH and have been denied, you may have a right to appeal the decision. You can appeal through the Alberta Appeals Secretariat. Call 780-427-2709 if you want to appeal your decision. In some instances, Student Legal Services Civil Law Project (780-492-8244) can help you with an appeal.
If you are 65+ years old (or will be soon), you may be eligible for CPP, OAS, and a Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS). The Seniors Association of Greater Edmonton (SAGE) can help you apply for these and can be reached at 780-423-5510.
For more information, see our Social Welfare Benefits pamphlet at our outreaches or at slsedmonton.com.
You can also find benefits and subsidies in Edmonton by visiting: https://youcanbenefit.edmonton.ca/home
Health Care
Receiving Medical Treatment
Generally, you need to have proof of medical insurance (Health Care Card or Alberta Health Care number) before you can receive medical treatment. However, in the case of an emergency, a hospital must treat you even without proof of insurance. You can order a new Alberta Health Care card over the phone at 780-427-1432. They require your full name, mailing address, phone number (or number where you may be contacted), personal health care number and date of birth.
Radius (formerly the Boyle McCauley Health Centre) (10628 96 Street NW) is the only medical clinic in Edmonton that does not require patients to have a Health Care Card. You can call (780) 422-7333 or drop in to make an appointment. Their current hours of operation are Monday to Thursday 8 am – 8 pm, Fridays 8 am – 5 pm, Saturdays 9 am – 1 pm, closed Sundays.
Paying for Medical Treatment
If you have income through Income Support or AISH, you will have health coverage through those programs. However, even if you do not receive financial support from Income Support or AISH, you may be eligible to receive health benefits through the Alberta Adult Health Benefits, and children may be eligible for Alberta Child Health Benefits. For more information, call Health Benefits Contact Centre at 780-427-6848.
Leisure & Recreation
Leisure Access Program (LAP)
Edmonton’s Leisure Access Program (LAP) allows low-income Edmontonians to access participating recreation facilities through an annual pass or a subsidized monthly pass. All applicants are automatically considered for the Ride Transit Program (see page 13).
Eligibility
Please note that the LAP has been recently expanded. If you did not qualify before, you may qualify now.
1-Year Term:
You may qualify for a 1-year term if you are an Edmonton resident and one of the following applies:
You are a recipient of Government of Alberta Income Support or Learner’s income Support
You are a new Permanent Resident or a Refugee (must have been in Canada less than one year and are not yet eligible to file a tax return)
You receive the Canada Pension Plan – Disability Benefit
You are a Ukrainian national who arrived in Canada on or after February 24, 2022
You are a child under government care
Your 2021 combined household income is equal to or less than the 2021 low-income thresholds
Example: for 1 person, the threshold is $33,579 and for four persons, the threshold is $62,396
Low Income Thresholds can be found by visiting https://www.edmonton.ca/programs_services/leisure-access-program
2-Year term
You may qualify for a 2-year term if you are an Edmonton resident, and your combined household income is equal to or less than the low-income thresholds for a 2-year term
Example: for 1 person, the threshold is $30,526 and for four persons, the threshold is $56,724
5-Year term
You may qualify for a 5-year term if you are an Edmonton resident, and you are on AISH.
Eligible dependents aged 14 or older will qualify for 1-4 years, expiring when the youth turns 18 years old.
Monthly
You may qualify for monthly approval if you are an Edmonton resident, and your combined household income is equal to or less than the low-income threshold for a monthly term
Example: for 1 person, the threshold is $33,580-$38,158 and for four persons, the threshold is $62,397-$70,905.
How to Apply
Step 1: Prepare an application
The form can be found at https://www.edmonton.ca/sites/default/files/public-files/assets/PDF/LeisureAccessApplicationForm.pdf?cb=1626710664
Or you can call 311 to have one mailed to you.
Gather verification documents
Required Income Verification such as
Notice of Assessment
AISH benefits statement
Canada Pension Plan form showing credits for the Disability Benefit
Income Support Health Benefits card
Learner’s Income Support Funding Decision Letter
Confirmation of Permanent Residency Documentation
Refugee Protection Claimant Document
Delegation of Powers document (for children under government care)
Eligible Dependent verification (if you have dependents)
Step 2: Submit your application
Mailing address:
Leisure Access Program
PO Box 2359
Edmonton, AB T5J 2R7
In-person drop-off
At a City of Edmonton Recreation Centre
At the Edmonton Service Centre mail drop off
Edmonton Tower, 2nd Floor, 10111 104 Avenue NW
Monday-Friday; 8 am – 4:30 pm
Food
There is no constitutional right to food in Canada. However, you can still get free food from some of the following service providers (note that the following list is subject to change):
Hope Mission Centre (9908 106 Ave)
Monday through Friday:
Breakfast at 7:30am
Lunch at 11:45 am
Supper at 5:00 pm
Saturday, Sunday & Holidays:
Brunch at 10:45am
Supper at 4:00 pm
Native Healing Centre (101-11813 123 St)
Monday:
Sandwiches at 11:00 am
Wednesday:
Soup and Bannock at noon
FOR KIDS:
Crystal Kids (8718-118 Avenue)
Youth Hours (September – June)
Daily after school snacks
Supper served at 5 pm
Saturday Meal mid-afternoon
Monday & Tuesday: 3 pm – 8 pm
Wednesday: 3 pm- 6 pm
Thursday: 1:30 pm – 7 pm
Friday: 3 pm – 8 pm
Saturday: 11 am – 4 pm
During the school year Crystal Kids serves one meal and two snacks per day. During school breaks (summer, Christmas break, spring break) they provide two meals and three snacks per day.
Marian Centre (10528 98 Street)
Breakfast snacks in the courtyard from 9:30 – 11:00 am on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays
Building Hope (3831 – 116 Ave)
Breakfast from 9:00-11:30 and lunch from 12-2
Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday: 8:30 -3:00.
Bissell Centre (10527 96 Street)
Lunch at 11:30 am
Dinner at 4:00 pm.
FOR PETS:
Boyle Street Community Centre — Currently based out of Bissell East (10527 96 St. NW)
Wednesdays from 10:00 am – 12:30 pm.
WHO CAN I CALL FOR MORE HELP OR INFORMATION?
General Hotlines
911 – Emergency Services
211 – Community Services Directory
311 – City of Edmonton Services Directory
811 - HealthLink
Legal Resources
Legal Aid Society
Mailing Address: 900 Sun Life Place, 10123 99 St NW Edmonton, AB T5J 3H1
Ph: 1-866-845-3425
Web: www.legalaid.ab.ca
Free legal information. Lawyers may represent you for a highly reduced rate if you make less than a certain amount.
Court and Justice Services
Rm 8077, 8th Floor - John E Brownlee Building 10365 97 Street NW Edmonton, AB T5J 3W7
Hours: 8:15 am to 4:00 pm (open Monday to Friday, closed statutory holidays)
Ph: 780-427-8343
Web: https://www.alberta.ca/court-and-justice-services
Toll free: 1-855-738-4747
Court and Justice Services has a Family Court assistance program that provides various services to assist self-represented individuals dealing with family or civil matters. They have numerous free services, such as Family Court Counsellors, Family Mediation, Child Protection and Intervention Mediation, Civil Mediation, and assistance with preparing Court Forms and Orders.
Lawyer Directory
Web: https://lsa.memberpro.net/main/body.cfm
Visit the Lawyer Directory to find a lawyer who can help with your issue. You can search by name if you have a specific lawyer in mind, or use the Advanced Search feature to find a practising lawyer in your area. Click on any of the Advanced Search Options to open a drop down menu. Under Practising Status, select “Practising” and under City/Town, select the city or town closest to you. You can narrow your search by Company, Gender, Languages Spoken, and/or Practice Area. Practice Area refers to the type of law each lawyer specializes in.
The Law Society of Alberta’s website includes a How-To Guide, descriptions of practice areas, and other tips for using the Lawyer Directory.
Edmonton Community Legal Centre
Suite 200, 10020 100 Street Edmonton, AB T5J 0N3
Ph: 780-702-1725
Web: www.eclc.ca
Free legal information for all. Free legal advice & assistance for low-income people.
Student Legal Services of Edmonton
Criminal Law Office: #100, 9924 106 St
Civil/Family Law Office: 11036 88 Ave
Ph: Main Office: 780-492-8180
Crim Office: 780-425-3356
Civil Office: 780-492-8244
Web: www.slsedmonton.com
Law students able to provide some free legal information, referrals, and assistance.
John Howard Society
#401, 10010 105 Street, Edmonton, AB
Ph: 780-428-7590
Web: www.johnhoward.org
Information, support, advocacy, and connection to resources.
Elizabeth Fry Society
Suite 700 10242 105 Street
Ph: 780-421-1175
Web: https://www.efrynorthernalberta.com/
Court workers explain court procedure and terminology, provide legal referrals, and offer practical assistance and support to those appearing in court
Health Services
Radius Community Health (formerly Boyle McCauley Health Centre)
10628 96 Street NW, Edmonton, AB
Ph: 780-422-7333
Web: https://radiushealth.ca/
You can get help here without a health care card. Needle exchange also available.
Income Assistance
Alberta Supports Contact Centre
10242 105 Street; Edmonton
Ph:1-877-644-9992
Web: css.ascc@gov.ab.ca
Open 8:15 – 4:30 pm M-F for general inquiries about Income Support. Closed statutory holidays.
24/7 Emergency Income Support
Ph:1-866-644-5135;
Fax: 780-422-9681
Email: css.iscc@gov.ab.ca
Hotline for accessing emergency income support benefits after hours.
AISH Application Processing Centre
PO Box 17000 Station Main Edmonton, Alberta T5J 4B3
Ph: 587-759-6810
Toll-Free: 1-877-759-6810
Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped. Open 8:15 am – 4:30 pm (M-F, closed statutory holidays)
You Can Benefit
Web: https://youcanbenefit.edmonton.ca/home
A website for determining what benefits and programs you may be eligible for.
Housing First Providers
Homeward Trust
6th Floor, 10242 105 Street, Edmonton, AB
Ph: 780-496-2630
Webs: homewardtrust.ca
Bent Arrow Traditional Healing Society
11648 85 Street, Edmonton, AB
Ph: 780-481-3451
Web: bentarrow.ca
Bill Rees YMCA
10210 111 Street NW Edmonton, AB
Ph: 780-429-9622
Bissell Centre
10527 96 Street, Edmonton, AB
Ph: 780-423-2285
Web: bissellcentre.org
Boyle Street Community Services
10116 105 Avenue NW, Edmonton, AB
Ph: 780-424-4106
Web: boylestreet.org
E4C Case Management
9321 Jasper Avenue, Edmonton, AB
Ph: 780-424-7543
Web: e4calberta.org
George Spady Centre
10015 105A Avenue, Edmonton, AB
Ph: 587-524-1530
Web: gspady.org
Hope Mission
9908 106 Avenue, Edmonton, AB
Ph: 780-422-2018
Web: hopemission.com
Jasper Place Health and Wellness Centre
Web: jpwc.ca
Pathways to Housing (Radius Health Centre)
Ph: 780-497-7146
Shelter
Alberta Council of Women’s Shelters
24-Hour Crisis Ph: 1-866-331-3933
24/7 hotline for a directory of women’s shelters in Alberta
Edmonton Women’s Shelter (WIN House)
24-Hour Crisis Ph: 780-479-0058
Shelter & support for women with or without kids who are fleeing domestic violence.
Lurana Shelter
24-Hour Crisis Ph: 780-424-5875
High security shelter and support for women and children fleeing domestic abuse.
SAGE Seniors Safe House
Ph: 780-702-1520 (Monday through Friday)
24-hour support: 780-454-8888
Emergency housing for men and women 60+ who are leaving abusive situations.
A Safe Place (Sherwood Park)
24-Hour Crisis Ph: 780-464-7233
A shelter and support for abused women and their children, including free transportation (from Edmonton, Sherwood Park, & Fort Saskatchewan) to the shelter
Women’s Emergency Accommodation Centre (WEAC)
9611 101A Ave, Edmonton
Ph: 780-423-5302
Emergency shelter for homeless women, new women admitted at 9pm every night.
Hope Mission Emergency Shelter
9908 106 Ave, Edmonton, AB
Ph: 780-422-2018
A safe place to sleep for those living on the streets. Separate shelter areas available for men, women, couples, and youth. Open at 8pm.
Second Stage Shelters
La Salle Residence
Ph: 780-424-5875
Housing & support up to 1 year for women & kids fleeing abuse & using crisis service
Wings of Providence
Ph: 780-426-4985
Second stage housing (longer term) & accompanying support for women & their children who have experienced family violence.
Food Hampers
Edmonton’s Food Bank
11508 120 Street, Edmonton, AB
Ph: 780-425-2133
Web: www.edmontonfoodbank.com
The Salvation Army
12544 129 St
Ph: 780-424-9222
Web: www.salvationarmy.ca
WeCan Food Basket Society
Ph: 780-413-4525
Other
Canadian Mental Health Association
300 - 10010 105 Street NW Edmonton, Alberta T5J 1C4
Enhanced Advocacy Services
Ph: 780-414-6300
Email: main@cmha-edmonton.ab.ca
CMHA helps with financial assistance applications and appeals. Also provides crisis services, navigation services, suicide grief support services, education and training on mental health, peer support services, and help with housing. You can also call or text 211 and ask about CMHA advocacy services.