CALGARY- Nearly two dozen non-profit and government agencies have partnered up for the first time, to create a ‘hub’ for Calgary’s most vulnerable.
The Safe Communities Opportunity and Resource Centre (SORCe) officially opened on June 18—but had to close just three days later when the June flood hit.
It is now back open, and ready to connect people with the services, programs and support they need.
“We deal with 60,000 social disorder calls a year, and for too many years issues that were primarily health issues or addictions issues have fallen into the justice system,” says Calgary Police Chief Rick Hanson. “They clog up the courts, they fill up the jails and the prisons, when the reality is often it’s an issue that can be dealt with if you get the appropriate agency involved at the appropriate time.”
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Agencies will help provide housing, training, employment and help with mental health issues and addictions.
The mayor adds it will be a big help, for those who are struggling.
“I have someone in my life who is struggling with issues of addiction and mental health, and I’ve been trying to be helpful,” says Mayor Naheed Nenshi. “I’m the mayor. If I’m have trouble accessing the system and figuring out what services are out there, then how do we expect people without those resources and without those opportunities to be able to do so?”
The following agencies are taking part in SORCe:
- Alberta Health Services
- Calgary Catholic Immigration Society
- Calgary Drop-In Centre
- NeighbourLink
- Community and Neighbourhood Services
- Office of the Chief Crown Prosecutor
- Calgary Public Library
- Inform Calgary
- Alberta Works
- Kerby Centre
- Distress Centre
- Calgary Homeless Foundation
- United Way of Calgary and Area
- Calgary Police Service
- Alpha House
- The Alex
- City of Calgary Animal and Bylaw Services
- Office of the Chief Probation Officer
- Immigrant Services Calgary
- Inn from the Cold
- Wood’s homes
- Immigrant Access Fund
- Canadian Mental Health Association
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