Calgary shelters use app to share resources

Two Calgary women’s shelters will be using an app called Shelterlink, as part of a new collaboration to share resources.

YW Calgary and FearIsNotLove say their new collaboration will enhance access to support for women suffering from domestic violence.

The app will allow participating shelters to share information about bed availability, emergency services, and resources to offer “seamless” help for women and children during difficult times.

The development of this app has received $200,000 from the Government of Alberta through the Civil Society Fund.

“YW Calgary and FearIsNotLove received some money from the provincial government from the Civil Society Fund to launch an app that helps create a system of care for those working in domestic violence shelters, to be able to understand access, what that availability looks like across the city, and to work more collaboratively together,” said Talia Bell, vice president, Programs and People, YW Calgary.

Bell explains when someone reaches out for help, employees can find out which shelters have availability without having to call every single one.

“Sometimes shelter is not what is required. And so, the idea of needing a bed is not the only reason why people seek support, and among our services and our staff who are answering the crisis lines, they’re then able to assess and be able to provide those supports of counselling and/or domestic violence outreach services, and be able to support families in the community in their homes,” Bell said.

Sue Tomney, the CEO of YW Calgary, says the app also gives a bigger picture of the current situation in the city.

“Currently, it can be challenging to understand the full picture behind shelter use in our city and province,” Tomney said. “ShelterLink will provide us with an accurate perspective of how individuals are accessing shelters and utilizing other support programs.”

YW Calgary and FearIsNotLove say in a statement that the demand for shelters has remained high in recent months, beyond bed capacity.

“We also know that each person’s experiences and needs are unique. ShelterLink will give us clarity about the true community need, which will provide us the information we need to work towards zero turn-aways in Calgary,” said Kim Ruse, CEO, FearIsNotLove.

— With files from Lisa Grant