‘A vital tool’: Calgary’s Extreme Weather Response program wraps season

The Calgary Homeless Foundation say it helped individuals experiencing homelessness throughout the cold winter months, including through the distribution of nearly 100,000 essential winter items.

An organization dedicated to helping Calgary’s homeless population during the cold winter months says its work has not gone unnoticed.

The Calgary Homeless Foundation (CHF) has been running the Extreme Weather Response (EWR) program for the past four years.

It was created to help individuals experiencing homelessness connect stay safe during periods of extreme weather and access supports to connect them with essential services and pathways to housing.

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During the 2025-26 season, the EWR recorded 32,324 visits to seasonal day spaces, 3,632 overnight shuttle trips for individuals to reach emergency shelters and 11,768 support meetings took place.

The campaign also saw nearly 100,000 essential winter items distributed through outreach teams.

“EWR continues to be a vital tool in Calgary’s homelessness response system,” said Bo Masterson, CHF vice-president of stakeholder engagement, in a news release.

“Providing spaces for warmth is not just about weather; it’s about relationships and vital connections to services that support people on a path from homelessness to appropriate housing.”

The season’s wrap up also emphasizes the importance of day spaces, which are now included as part of CHF’s year-round supports.

Those spaces are being made available through Journey Church, Distress Centre Calgary and The Mustard Seed, which are all CHF partner agencies.

The spaces those facilities provide include meals, beverages, clothing and hygiene supplies as well as access to showers and laundry services and support services.

“These year‑round spaces build on the trust established through seasonal programming,” said David Conrad, senior director of community and volunteer engagement at The Mustard Seed.

“They offer stability beyond the winter months and play an essential role in Calgary’s homelessness response.”

CHF works with the City of Calgary to ensure their efforts are aligned with the city’s broader homelessness strategy.