Calgary Drop-In Centre's Mental Health & Addictions System Navigation Support Program
Details
Southern Alberta
The Idea
Since March 2022, the Calgary Drop-In Centre has been operating the Mental Health & Addictions System Navigation Support program to address the complex and overlapping challenges faced by individuals experiencing homelessness, particularly those living with mental health concerns and substance use disorders. This program is designed to guide clients through the often fragmented and overwhelming network of health, housing, and income support services.
The program helps individuals connect with both internal DI supports and external community resources, providing continuity of care and long-term assistance to help them stabilize and progress in their recovery journeys. Navigators offer hands-on support with treatment adherence, income and medical benefit applications, and case coordination - ensuring no one is left to navigate these systems alone.
In April 2024, the program expanded to include partnerships with healthcare consultants who conduct assessments that directly support applications for treatment and financial supports. This enhanced collaboration strengthens the program’s ability to connect clients with the right interventions at the right time.
A core focus of the program is on chronically unhoused individuals and frequent users of acute care and emergency services, many of whom face significant barriers to accessing and maintaining care. By providing consistent, personalized system navigation, the program aims to reduce reliance on emergency systems and improve overall health and housing outcomes for clients.
Who Will Benefit?
This program directly benefits chronically unhoused individuals and high users of acute care services who face significant barriers to accessing and maintaining mental health and addiction support. By providing personalized navigation, holistic care, and system advocacy, it improves access to treatment, income supports, and long-term stability. Indirectly, the broader community and healthcare system also benefit through reduced strain on emergency services, more efficient service delivery, and improved health and housing outcomes for vulnerable populations.