Facing eviction or a sudden loss of housing can feel overwhelming. In Alberta, community shelters and transitional housing offer crucial support for tenants who need a safe place to stay while they stabilize their situation. This guide explains what's available, how to access assistance, your legal rights, and practical steps to take if you need shelter right away.

Understanding Emergency Shelters and Transitional Housing

Emergency shelters provide short-term, immediate accommodation for people experiencing homelessness or housing loss. Transitional housing gives residents more time (often weeks to months) to find stable, longer-term housing and access supportive services.

• Emergency Shelters: Immediate, basic lodging; often first-come, first-served; usually include meals and basic hygiene needs.
• Transitional Housing: Longer stays; supportive, structured environment; may offer employment, life skills, or health programs.

Services are available across Alberta, including major cities like Calgary and Edmonton, as well as smaller centres. Many shelters prioritize families, women fleeing violence, or those with health challenges.

How to Access a Shelter in Alberta

If you’ve been evicted or lost your home, start by contacting Alberta’s 24-hour homelessness helpline or searching for shelters in your area. Staff can advise about space availability and eligibility. Bring any personal identification, medications, and critical documents if possible.

• Call the Alberta Shelter and Transitional Housing Helpline: 1-866-644-5135
• Visit Alberta Nearest Emergency Shelter list
• For city-specific resources, contact 211 Alberta (dial 211 or visit 211 Alberta)

Who Qualifies for Shelter and Transitional Housing?

Most services are open to anyone experiencing homelessness or facing imminent loss of housing. Some have special programs for:

• Women escaping domestic violence
• Families with children
• Youth (under 25)
• Men and women individually
• Indigenous peoples

Bring proof of eviction or referral from a social service if you have one—though emergency shelters generally won’t turn people away based solely on documentation.

Common Steps After Eviction in Alberta

Once you’re safe at a shelter, consider the following next steps:

• Contact a housing support worker or case manager at the shelter for help with finding long-term housing or financial support.
• Apply for Rent Supplement Programs or Income Support through Alberta Income Support.
• If eligible, request help for food, health needs, or employment services.
• Ask shelter staff about transitional housing waitlists or application criteria.

During this time, you may want to review Common Issues Tenants Face and How to Resolve Them for practical advice on rental disputes or future tenancies.

Official Forms and Applications

While shelters in Alberta don’t require government-issued forms to access services, if your eviction involves a dispute or you need to file for assistance, you may interact with official forms from the Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS).

• RTDRS Application for Tenancy Dispute Resolution (Form: RTDRS Application Form)
  • When to use: If you believe your eviction was unlawful, or you have unresolved disputes with your landlord (such as deposit returns or notice periods).
  • How: Complete the RTDRS Application Form (PDF) and file with the RTDRS. Shelter staff or legal clinics can assist tenants with these forms.

The Residential Tenancies Act (Alberta) is the main law governing your rights and responsibilities as a tenant.^[1]

Understanding your rights may help you secure a deposit refund, avoid eviction records, or find solutions for future tenancies.

Connecting With Affordable Rental Options

While staying in transitional housing, you can begin searching for a new rental home. Canada's best rental listings platform offers easy access to affordable homes in Alberta and across the country, helping you return to stable housing as quickly as possible.

To learn more about your rights and tenancy laws, view Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Alberta.

Frequently Asked Questions About Community Shelters and Transitional Housing

1. What should I bring to a shelter?
   Essential items include photo identification, medications, and important documents. If you don't have these, don't let it stop you—shelters will still provide help.
2. How long can I stay in a shelter or transitional housing?
   Emergency shelters have short stays (typically days to weeks), while transitional housing can allow several months. Ask about program lengths where you apply.
3. Can families stay together in Alberta shelters?
   Yes, many shelters offer family units or prioritize keeping families together. Always confirm with staff when you call.
4. Will accessing a shelter affect my future rental applications?
   No, using emergency or transitional housing is not reported to future landlords or credit agencies.
5. Where can I get legal help if I think my eviction was unfair?
   You can apply to the RTDRS or contact free tenant advocacy organizations listed below for support.

Summary: Steps to Take and Key Resources

• Alberta provides accessible shelters and a range of transitional housing options for tenants in crisis.
• Your tenancy rights are protected under the Residential Tenancies Act (Alberta).
• Take action early—contact local shelters as soon as you know you are at risk of losing your home.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• 24-hour Shelter Helpline: 1-866-644-5135
• List of Alberta Emergency Shelters
• 211 Alberta – Free, confidential help for housing, financial, and legal support
• Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS) – Tenancy disputes, applications, and info
• Residential Tenancies Act (Alberta)
• Non-profit tenant advocacy: Centre for Public Legal Education Alberta (CPLEA)

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1. See Residential Tenancies Act (Alberta)

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