Welcome to Safe Harbour
We'll do our best to connect you with the help you need.
Here is the information on the services we offer, where they are located, and the hours they operate.
Overnight Shelter Program
This is an overnight shelter for 80-100 adults who are under the influence of substances. The Overnight Shelter Program provides a supervised environment for its guests who are extremely vulnerable on the streets and in the elements.
Day Sleep
This program operates daily and serves the most vulnerable in the community who are either too ill or too intoxicated to be outside all day.
Drop In Shelter
The Drop In shelter provides a welcoming environment for intoxicated adults experiencing homelessness during the day and early evening. Supports include:
- Connection to staff and referral to other health supports
- Showers
- Clothing
- Telephone use
- Nursing support and assessment
- Assistance completing forms
Support Services
Medically Supported Detox
Hours of Operation: 24 hours – 7 days a week
In this program, we provide adults (18 years and older) with support and a safe environment as they withdraw from alcohol, drugs, or other substances. The program is voluntary, and free of charge. The stay is typically 5 – 7 days, and while people are with us, nursing staff, physicians, and case managers are sensitive to the needs of clients during this time and provide twenty-four hour support and encouragement. The Medically Supported Detox is located at 5246 53rd Ave.
How do I access the program?
Individuals requesting admission attend the centre at 8:30 am daily. Referrals from many sources are accepted: self-referral, referrals from family, friends, hospitals, physicians, and a wide range of community agencies. The program provides services primarily to residents of Central Alberta.
What can I expect?
- Physicians provide assessment and guidance for managing withdrawal using medication assisted treatment which is tailored to clients’ specific needs.
- Narcotics and benzodiazepines will not be prescribed.
- Program staff provide knowledgeable assistance with choosing treatment programs and the process of application for treatment.
- Addiction counselors from Alberta Health Services are available two times a week to provide assessments, referral, and guidance for treatment options.
- Nutrition is an important aspect of the program and balanced, tasty meals are provided.
- Clients have the opportunity to participate in groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous, Wellbriety, and Sharing Circles, and small group sessions related to knowledge and skills for healthy living.
- We are a vape free site.
We are licensed by the Mental Health Services Protection Act
Parking:
We have very limited parking spaces at Safe Harbour. We recommend that, if possible, have someone drive you here and pick you up when you leave our program. If this is not possible, please also know that you will park at your own risk; Safe Harbour does not take responsibility for damage to vehicles parked on or near our property.
What to Bring:
- Alberta Health Care number if available
- All prescription medications in the bottle provided by the pharmacy
- Clothing for 3 days
o Basic toiletries are available
o Clients may bring enough undergarments for their entire stay
o Clothing must not promote alcohol or drugs or have offensive slogans or images - One pair of shoes and one pair of sandals/slippers
- A calling card is required to make long distance phone calls
- Free local phone is available
- Cell phones are not permitted and will be locked up until time of discharge – write down any phone numbers you will require from your phone
- Cigarettes must be in a sealed package, and no cigarettes are provided
What NOT to Bring:
- Weapons, tools, or sharp objects
- Vaping products – we are a vape free program
- Electronics (i.e. iPods, tablets, laptops)
- Products containing alcohol
- Marijuana
- Over-the-counter medications, vitamins, herbs, oils or other preparations
- Perfume, cologne, body spray, hairspray, hair colour, mouthwash or heavily scented products
- More than $200 cash or anything of value (i.e. jewellery, electronics)
- Bedding, bath linens, pillows, stuffed toys
- Food or drink
Referral Document
Download our Referral Form and fax it to us at 403 349 0020 or email it to shsdetox@safeharboursociety.
Many Healing Blankets
The connection that ceremony brings to those who ache for it is lifesaving. The beat of the drum can help drown out all the other noise and call people back to that deep belonging. Our Elder team shares the gifts of ceremony with anyone in our programs or anyone in the community.
Activities of this program include:
• Smudging and Prayers
• Individual and Family Support
• Monthly sweats at the sweat lodge at Fort Normandeau (call 403-347-0181 for more info)
• Sharing Circle every Friday at 2:00 pm at Safe Harbour (everyone welcome)
• Wellbriety Group every Monday night at 7pm at Safe Harbour
• Annual Spring Feast at Fort Normandeau
Housing Services
Coordinated Entry Housing Assessment
Coordinated Entry is a single place or process for individuals experiencing homelessness to access housing and support services. The goal of this system-wide program is to meet the needs of the most vulnerable while ensuring all individuals and families who come into contact with the homeless system are assessed and provided with appropriate supports to exit homelessness.
Outreach Services
Our Outreach Services provide comprehensive, coordinated access to services for at risk and vulnerable individuals that require a non-emergency response. The purpose is to reduce law enforcement and medical calls.
The Outreach team conducts assertive street outreach that seeks to build relationships with rough sleepers (people who are camping) with the goal of completing an intake assessment to move people into housing and engaging them in services.
