all about the DI
vision
The needs of people who are homeless or at risk are met in a respectful, comprehensive and safe way.
mission
To prevent homelessness where possible, offer care and shelter when needed, and provide opportunities for people to rehabilitate and rebuild their lives.
goals
- To effectively meet Calgary’s changing needs for homeless shelter and care;
- To be a valued presence in the community;
- To be the employer of choice;
- To strengthen our impact through strong ties with civic and provincial governments, funders and community organizations.
philosophy
To compassionately be ‘the voice’ for the marginalized, disenfranchised and homeless population of our city. Regardless of the circumstances leading to their current situation, to be of service, without judgment, and to fairly and appropriately provide programs and support that assists each individual in their efforts to move forward with their lives.
ethics
Everyone associated with the organization will use their best judgment in all matters affecting The DI. They will base their relationships on honesty and integrity and will not misuse their position for personal gain.
The Calgary Drop-In & Rehab Centre (The DI) is a non-political, non-sectarian social service agency that advocates and provides services for the homeless and low-income population of Calgary. Our services and programs are based on the principles of:
- Integrity in everything we do and all our relationships
- Fair and equitable treatment for everyone; clients, staff, board members, stakeholders, partners, donors, volunteers, media, political and community leaders, other social services agencies, the general public
- Honesty and transparency in all our actions, activities and relationships
The Calgary Drop-In & Rehab Centre respects the laws of the Province of Alberta and the Government of Canada. All decisions regarding the operation of the organization will employ scrupulous compliance with all applicable laws and statutes.
funding
The primary source of funding for The DI is the Government of Alberta, Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs.
Additional funding is obtained through the City of Calgary, The United Way, foundations, and corporate and private donors. The funding breakdown is as follows:
We are committed to maximizing every dollar provided to the DI for the benefit of our clients.
We are committed to maintaining overhead/administrative costs at below 10% of our annual operating budget. Through judicious financial management and adherence to sound accounting practices we will continue to minimize administrative costs.
history
48 years of excellence in serving our communities.”
The DI has been a familiar face in the homeless sector since 1961. The DI was originally operated through a joint initiative of the Roman Catholic Diocese and the Calgary Interfaith Community Action Committee in 1961.
The purpose of this endeavour was to provide services in the east end of the city to homeless individuals who needed shelter and food.
In 1977 the two groups amalgamated, and the present Calgary Drop-In & Rehab Centre Society was founded. The DI is governed by the Board of Directors of the Calgary Drop-In Centre Society, an incorporated, non-denominational, non-profit, charitable organization. It is administered by a full time staff and volunteers.
Since its inception, The DI has continued to grow to meet the rising demand for emergency shelter and food within Calgary’s homeless and low-income population. Initially, services included meals, sleeping for up to 20 men and women and no daytime services. Over the course of the next few years, space and sleeping capacity were increased. In 1997, day services were added and the DI has provided 24/7 continuous operation since that time.
In addition to the old Drop-In Centre (DI), satellite locations were opened in order to provide service to the increased number of individuals seeking emergency shelter. As well, to provide transitional housing for men who were looking to move from street life to restoring their place in society, a transition housing facility was acquired in 1996 (Centre 110).
Over the course of the following 3 years, The DI added three satellite Shelters (C111 – 1998 (no longer in operation), C2032 – 1999 and C2507 – 2001) operated under lincensing agreements with the Province of Alberta and the City of Calgary. On September 11, 2001 the new DI was opened at 423 – 4th Ave. S.E. This 107,000 sq.ft., 6 storey building was designed to handle what the City and management believed to be the needs of homeless individuals for the next 10 years. It reached capacity one year after opening.
the DI today
Today, The DI has the capacity to shelter 1,250 individuals a night. Due to the diverse needs of our population, we offer four levels of accommodation. In the fall of 2008 C110 was sold to the Inn From the Cold Society.
Proceeds from the sale were used to purchase the Sundial building, a 119 unit apartment building in the inner core. The Province of Alberta contribuited 7 million dollars towards the purchase of the building.
“This funding supports strong and healthy communities and is part of government’s overall strategy to create more affordable housing across the province,” said Premier Ed Stelmach in a press release. ” The province is pleased to be a partner in reducing homelessness, increasing the availability of housing while providing economic stability in communities across the province.”
Three Levels of Housing
Emergency Beds
- Riverfront Ave. – 3rd Floor
- Centre 2507
Transitional Beds
- Riverfront Ave. – 4th and 5th floors
- Centre 2507 (assigned beds)
Affordable Housing
- Bridgeland Manor – Seniors
- Sundial
