For Immediate Release

September 1, 2022

Our elected Provincial officials have been considering what to do with a projected surplus of more than $13.2 million this fiscal year. In a recent announcement from Premier Kenney, the thinking appears to be focused on debt reduction and re-indexing income tax in 2023. Rather than succumb to the temptation of political interests, it’s time for a strategic approach when it comes to investment of these financial resources. We offer a policy suggestion to first address the chronic underfunding in not-for-profit social services agencies, specifically those providing support for emergency shelter and urgent housing, medical supports, and community health centres for the most vulnerable Albertans.

“We are contracted by the province to support individuals struggling with homelessness, mental health challenges and provide a wide variety of social service or case management supports.” Says Carlene Donnelly, Executive Director, CUPS Calgary. “However, those contracts do not fully cover the costs of delivering these services and we must rely on the generosity of Albertans in order to fill the gap.”

These government contracts cover essential services like providing emergency and shelter beds, transitional housing, medical services, and other crisis interventions. Since 2015, the issues impacting vulnerable Albertans that these agencies work to address – homelessness, emergency health interventions including risk of overdosing, domestic violence, and poverty, among others – have become increasingly complex. At the same time, overall costs and inflation have soared. And yet, government funding has remained stagnant for more than seven years.

“Despite multiple conversations, the provincial governments have not increased funding to cover the growing costs of delivering these services.” Joy Bowen-Eyre, CEO, the Alex Community Health Centre adds. “This has meant that part of the funding burden has fallen on not-for-profits to continue providing essential services, which in turn requires us to fundraise increasing amounts annually to make up the difference.”

The Government of Alberta relies on organizations with expertise in their communities and in the complex social issues to deliver much-needed services to Albertans – and they consistently deliver. It is only right that the government appropriately fund its partners to ensure these essential services continue to be available to vulnerable Albertans.

Too many Albertans cannot move out of crisis without the help of social organizations, on behalf of the government. If Albertans want to see an economic return for Alberta that is truly inclusive and supports the well-being of everyone in this province, it is critical that we encourage elected leaders to take an immediate step to adjust core contracts with social service providers. This small step will have a lasting impact on tens of thousands of Albertans.

Joy Bowen-Eyre, Chief Executive Officer The Alex: The Alex Community Health Centre provides wrap-around health care, housing, social and wellness programs to Calgary’s most vulnerable citizens. Using a client-centred, multi-disciplinary model of care, The Alex offers the right care, to the right client, by the right professional at the right time, in the right place, for the right cost. With over five decades of experience working within the community, The Alex has a reputation of tackling tough health and social issues while walking alongside people in crisis to wellness and from challenge to change.

Kim Ruse, Chief Executive Officer Calgary Women’s Emergency Shelter (CWES): The Calgary Women’s Emergency Shelter is focused on ending family violence and abuse in the lives of women, children, youth and men. “Taking a Stand Against Family Violence” in the community since 1974, the agency has helped more than 230,000 individuals build safe lives and healthy relationships. Although the Emergency Shelter is the cornerstone of the organization, it is “More than a Shelter”, providing a number of innovative safety, healing and prevention programs.

Carleen Donnelly, Executive Director CUPS: Since 1989, CUPS has helped Calgarians overcome adversity and build resilience that spans generations. In 2020, CUPS was named one of Canada’s Top 10 Impact Charities by Charity intelligence—for the fourth year in a row.

Sandra Clarkson, Executive Director Calgary Drop-in Centre: The Calgary Drop-In Centre (the DI) is more than emergency shelter. The DI provides 24/7 low barrier access to housing-focused emergency shelter including health services, affordable housing, and housing supports to adults who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness. Its programs and services connect people to permanent housing that meets their individual needs.

Heather Morley, Executive Director Inn from the Cold: For over 25 years, Inn from the Cold has been helping vulnerable families find stability in times of crisis. As the largest organization in the Calgary region that is dedicated solely to families experiencing a housing crisis, we believe that a community where no child or family is homeless is possible.

Sue Tomney, Chief Executive Officer YW Calgary: YW Calgary continues to focus on enhancing women’s safety and well-being while advocating for equity, prosperity and inclusion for all within our community and beyond. Together with our donors, government, and other social agencies, we provide crisis and transitional shelter, affordable housing, counselling, parenting supports, childcare, language and economic prosperity programs that help women and their families to thrive in a safe and equitable community.

For information and interview inquiries, please contact:

Carla Link Director, Communication & Community Relations, YW Calgary Phone: 587.228.8663 | Email: clink@ywcalgary.ca