#SAMRUStressLess: Agency Resource List (as of March 31st)
Accessing your normal services may be difficult right now. Let us help connect you to the resources you need most. Don’t forget to check out the services that SAMRU still has available for students at samru.ca/covid19 (this page is dynamic and will update as new information becomes available).
We will update this resource page periodically with any updates.
Helplines
Alberta 211:
Call or text 211 for agency referral
Distress Centre:
Confidential Chat: 3-10pm Mountain time online daily, Call 24 hour line 403-266-4357 for emotional support. Offices are closed.
Canadian National Suicide Prevention:
Call 1-833-456-4566 or Text 45645
Kids Help Phone:
1-800-668-6868
Alberta Health Link:
811
Healthcare, Including Sexual Health
Centre for Sexuality:
Closed beginning Tuesday, March 17th until Friday, April 2nd. All programs are closed, but counselling sessions will be still operational over the phone.
https://www.centreforsexuality.ca/2020/03/office-closure-information-in-response-to-covid-19/?fbclid=IwAR21Pjfv90xTrXa4kMopDo7e4x7pcDicKUCZbsqwb5ItEOPTLD2TY7brSd8
March 24, 2020: Additional info: GSA Network, provide online supports and resources for teachers and youths looking for connections
Camp Fyre Fly: Moving forward and accepting to possibility that this might change
STI Clinic Sheldon Chumir: only seeing emergency cases, no STI testing
Sexual and reproductive Health Clinics: Only seeing those whos cases are urgent. Unable to service if you have symptoms.
March 26, 2020: Prophylactics will be attached to the outside door, please take sparingly and save some for others.
STI Clinic Sheldon Chumir: not seeing clients for routine testing, and is closed on saturdays. Urgent cases are still being seen, including: a person with a confirmed sti diagnoses, a person who has had contact with a confirmed STI diagnoses, a person who is experiencing symptoms of an STI. Please call the clinic in advance if you are one of the above to speak with a nurse before coming to the clinic 403-955-6700.
Sexual and Reproductive Health SRH Clinics: are only seeing urgent clients who are 29 and under for care. This includes a person with a confirmed STI diagnoses, a person who is a contact to a person with a confirmed STI Diagnoses (eg. a partner), a person who is experiencing symptoms of an STI, a person in need of care following a sexual assualt, a person who needs to pick up birth control supplies and has a pre-existing prescription on file with their clinic. Please call ahead if you are one of the above or have a pre-existing appointment to speak with the nurse before coming. Downtown: 403-955-6500 South: 403-943-9510 East: 403-955-91431 Sunridge: 403-944-7666
Alberta Health Services:
Visiting: Only one, single essential visitor per patient in long term care, supportive living, and congregate lived settings. Essential visitors are friends, family, or paid caregivers providing necessary care to a patient who is dying. No children allowed to visit. This is the same criteria for hospital visits, with the exception that a patient does not have to be terminally ill. These visits are to be coordinated with a nurse prior.
- Visitors must be feeling well during the time and date of the visit.
- Those who are not allowed to visit include those who are immuno-compromised, an illness that can be transmitted, self-isolation for Covid-19 or being tested for Covid-19.
- If you test positive for Covid-19, you can not re-enter until you have recovered and had received clearance from healthcare professionals.
Covid-19 informations from AHS for Albertans: https://www.albertahealthservices.ca/topics/Page16997.aspx
Kensington Clinic (Abortion and sexual health services):
Patients are asked to re-book if they have traveled in the last 14 days, been in close contact with probable or confirmed cases of COVID-19, been in close contact with someone who is ill and has traveled in the last 14 days, or has cold or flu like symptoms including runny nose, fever, cough, or sore throat. Operations will continue, staff will be screened, as will clients, and sanitation practices have been increased.
The IUD and Womens Clinic:
Waving cancellation fees. Asking to re-book if: in the 14 days leading up to your appointment you have traveled outside of Canada, have symptoms of COVID-19 such as fever, cough, shortness of breath, or sore throat, or have come in close contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19.
Disability Supports
DDRC:
The DDRC’s Services and main offices will remain operational at this time. Will be making adjustments to schedules and regular community based supports to accommodate closures and government recommendations and wishes of parents and guardians. DDRC Staff are taking precautionary measures which includes changes to community based supports meeting practices and following government and municipal recommendations.
Vecova:
Closing satellite office in Canmore. Closing access to the main centre. Providing access to main building for personnel only to continue the business. Moving Mental Health Services to online counselling, or online appointments. Reducing hours at bottle depot and adjusting services, more info here: https://vecova.ca/statement-covid-19/
Domestic Violence Agencies and Shelters
Sagesse:
No official update; Exploring how to switch support groups online. Limited number of people in the office.
Calgary Domestic Violence Collective:
Encouraging victims of domestic violence to continue to reach out for help and know that there are resources available to support them. The Family Violence Information Line is still available 24/7 at 403-234-SAFE (7233) and is prepared for an increased number of calls. If you are in danger, call 911.
March 25, 2020: Partner Organizations are working hard to ensure there is support for clients who are experiencing domestic violence at this time, there may be some transition time due to health regulations.
People are encouraged to reach out to the Family Resource Line is still available 24/7 at 403-234-7233. If you are in danger please call 911
Calgary Women’s Shelter:
All programs remain open. Added 24/7 family help line: 403 234 7233.
Safe Haven Women’s Shelter:
Still available at their 24/7 crisis line: 403-223-0483.
Kerby Centre:
Closed to the public, but internal programming will continue. Outreach programs are still operating:
- Grocery Delivery Program: 403-234-6571
- Seniors Information resources through the phone: 403-705- 3246
- Volunteer Department: 403- 234-6570
- Elder Abuse Resource Line: 403- 705-3250
Drop In Centre:
Volunteer positions are cancelled, shelter remains open. Those who are looking to donate are asked to drop donations off at their donations centre at 3640 11A St NE. Looking at alternative sheltering options to increase social distancing.
Alpha House:
Still open, will possibly limit volunteers.
Children’s Services and Family Care
Children’s Services:
No official news (including Indigenous Services)
Mahmawi-atoskiwin:
March 27, 2020: No news on if visits are continuing, those curious should follow up with their caseworker.
Elizabeth Fry Society:
No news
Carya:
Offices and Programs are closed starting March 16th. Still available by phone.
Catholic Family Service:
Offices temporarily closed, offering counselling via Zoom sessions or by phone for those who are interested or in isolation.
March 25, 2020: have created an online self help tool: https://www.cfs-ab.org/what-we-do/online-self-help/
March 27th, 2020: Walk in services are suspended. Text available 587-315-5000 from 9am-10pm, call 1-800-563-6106, 403-299-9699. If unable to reach phone, email crtsupport@woodshomes.ca. Online Chat available on their website from 9 am-10 pm.
Mental Health Supports
Elements Calgary Mental Health Care Centre:
Closed till further notice
Canadian Mental Health Association of Calgary:
Closed effective immediately. Non-critical programming is suspended. Peer support will be offered over the phone at 403-297-1402 or via email at peer@cmha.calgary.ab.ca.
Catholic Family Service:
Offices temporarily closed, offering counselling via Zoom sessions or by phone for those who are interested or in isolation.
March 25, 2020: have created an online self help tool: https://www.cfs-ab.org/what-we-do/online-self-help/
Calgary Counselling Centre:
Remains open, but will offer sessions via online or over the phone for those who are interested.
March 25, 2020: Online resource on how to manage stress and anxiety, as well as how to talk to children here: https://calgarycounselling.com/covid19
Carya:
Offices and Programs are closed starting March 16th. Still available by phone.
Elements Calgary Mental Health Care Centre:
March 17, 2020: closed till further notice
March 25th, 2020: Starting Thursday March 26th will provide telephone counselling only via 403-266-8711. A reduced amount of staff will be available to take calls. All other on site programs are suspended until further notice. There will be no access to the office at this time. New hours of operation are 10am- 4pm daily. Are not accepting referrals until further notice.
Woods Homes: East Side Family Centre:
March 26, 2020: counselling is only available by phone or etherapy, please email crtsupport@woodshomes.ca if difficulty calling or email etherapy@woodshomes.ca for etherapy. More info here: https://www.woodshomes.ca/programs/eastside-family-centre/
Food Banks
SAMRU has online food security resources available. Go to this link to find out more.
Salvation Army:
Created a Territorial Pandemic Response team: resources and update can be found here. No news conferences and events will be scheduled. All thrift store across Alberta will be closed. Will continue to accept donations and continue to support crisis needs of Albertans. Social services are still serving communities but mindful of hand-washing precautions. Have best practices in place to ensure staff and clients remain healthy. Adjustments being made to sit down meals; Now doing bagged meals to promote social distancing.
Calgary Food Bank:
Emergency hamper session beginning today. Must call the emergency request line at 403-253-2055 to organize what is needed and arrange a pick-up time. The method is a drive-through window style.
March 25, 2020: No longer drive through window style, but remote distribution pick up locations which have social distancing measures in effect. Must still call 403-253-2055 first.
General Queer Services
HIV Community Link:
HIV Link will remain open, but many staff are working from home. Offering limited hours and no drop-in hours. To access support in person, please call ahead and arrange an appointment. Calgary number: 403-508-2500.
In Calgary:
Client appointments: we ask our clients to call us at (403) 508-2500 in Calgary or contact their HIV Support and Shift case manager by phone and email to discuss their needs and appointments;
Food hampers: The Calgary Food Bank has opened a Hamper Request Line (403-253-2055). Registered clients can call us for support to access the services;
Harm reduction supplies: Call us at (403) 508-2500 for information or delivery options;
Group Meetings: we have suspended all group activities involving clients, staff and volunteers. The Friday Lunch events and Sweatlodge Ceremonies are also suspended until further notice;
Prevention & Education: contact us online or by calling (403) 508-2500 with the following extensions:
Drumbeat (African, Black and Caribbean communities): Extension 109
HEAT (gay, bi and other men who have sex with men): Ext 129
Strong Voices (Indigenous Communities): Extension 115
All other client and community inquiries should be forwarded to info@hivcl.org or by calling the Calgary office at (403) 508-2500 and the Medicine Hat office at (403) 527-5882.
Calgary Queer Art Society:
Coming Out Monologues to be rescheduled, will be streaming videos on their Facebook page for the next little while.
Skipping Stone:
Offering services over the phone and looking into offering programs and other supports online. If you need support reach out to info@skippingstone.ca.
Centre for Sexuality:
Closed starting Tuesday March 17th, until Friday April 2nd. All programs are closed, but counselling sessions will be still operational over the phone. Offering interactive activities on Instagram.
Outlink:
The Outlink office will be closed until further notice. All Outlink programs including Grabba Java, Between Men, and Inside Out are also on hold at this time.
Addiction and Recovery Services Calgary
Online AA Meetings during Covid:
Click here to find a meeting.
Sunrise Healing Lodge:
Still open, only allowing personnel in at this time. No visitors or recovery speakers. Client sponsors will not be able to meet in person, only over the phone. As of March 18th, 2020, the Outpatient program has been shut down. All tours and events are cancelled. Clients will not be attending outside meetings, in house meetings will be conducted instead. Increased sanitation of building, as well as social distancing procedures in effect.
Renfrew Recovery Centre:
No offical response, though assumed to be following AHS Guidelines. See Guidelines under AHS.
Awo Taan Healing Lodge Society:
Family Wellness centre is cancelling all programming until further notice. Those needed immediate assistance involving family violence can call the 24/7 crisis line at 403-531-1972 or 403-531-1976
March 24th, 2020: If you or someone you know is in need of food supplies due to lay off, isolation, lack of income, etc OR you are in need of emotional supports please reach out to our workers at 403-531-1880 ext. 100.
If you are looking to get involved, donations of food, boxes, hygiene products, diapers (size 5-6), formula, large ziplock bags, and activities such as books, games, colouring/arts and craft supplies are greatly appreciated. Please call 403-531-1880 ext. 100 to make delivery arrangements.
Supports and Free Resources
Resources for Parents and Kids
https://qz.com/1819166/how-to-teach-your-kids-at-home/?fbclid=IwAR1EoQptVnt4h1FOl0KM-gosaaBollEFs1lQ8qYTOknpKk9rYbmE_w3mJLc
Learn at Home, Schoolastic for Kids:
https://classroommagazines.scholastic.com/support/learnathome.html
Online Courses and Reading Materials:
http://www.openculture.com/2020/03/use-your-time-in-isolation-to-learn-everything-youve-always-wanted-to.html?fbclid=IwAR1YaoTexqJk7_gok0i_P5ub7nZTiEBy13OP9rTaWD6fPjnhTaV99qbfv0o
Virtual Field Trips:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1SvIdgTx9djKO6SjyvPDsoGlkgE3iExmi3qh2KRRku_w/preview?usp=embed_facebook&fbclid=IwAR0lyLxhPxsyNA7wzUYdNDy-f8ScvrdgDKyj4bSw36XiENtR2LGVruZvtuk&sle=true
Listening Care Package:
https://onbeing.org/blog/a-listening-care-package-for-uncertain-times/?fbclid=IwAR24TT6acDuYSe-nHYo9aVKzPN5RS9Hob-OD_cWTutHqg08YzTiRF93ZOhU
NASA 3D Resources:
https://nasa3d.arc.nasa.gov/
