Service targeted to:

• individuals who have attempted to receive funding through Alberta Works Emergency Fund on 1-877-644-9992
• residing in Calgary or surrounding areas such as Airdrie, Chestermere, Cochrane, High River, Okotoks, and Strathmore
• low-income individuals and families experiencing a temporary financial crisis who are sustainable (have a monthly income high enough to cover their basic needs under normal circumstances)
• who have not accessed the fund in the past 12 months

The Basic Needs Fund (BNF) is a collaborative initiative between Distress Centre Calgary, CUPS, and Rise Calgary. Due to the collaborative nature of this funding, individuals who have accessed BNF support through one partner within the past year are not eligible to receive additional funding through another partner in the same year.

To access service:

• call 211 to apply for intake

Clients must provide required supporting documents including:

• photo ID for all applicants
• a copy of a signed Rent Report or Lease Agreement (if applicable)
• a copy of most recent Utility Statement (if applicable)
• bank statements showing the last 90 days of transactions for all applicants
  proof of income

There is no specific e-mail for BNF clients. Applications are done only through 211 by self-referral. If a 211 agent from Edmonton has a caller, they can re-direct them to Calgary's 211 line.