Essential Community Support Services
Essential Community Support Services (ECSS) provides non-judgmental supports and advocacy to adults. Participants are at high risk of being or are homeless. Most live in poverty, many with chronic physical and mental illnesses, and have little or no support systems.
The Robert Tegler Friendship Room (Adult Drop-In) is a space for men and women to get their basic daily needs met. Toilet, shower and laundry facilities are available as well as telephones, a daily meal and coffee. Other services include free haircuts, adult literacy, care from Capital Health Community Health Nurses and sexually transmitted infections (STI) nurses.
- On average over 400 people access the Drop-In daily
- More than 250 sandwiches are served each day
- 90.5% of participants stated the Drop-In assisted them in finding other sources of help
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“Bissell helped me on my steps to a clean and sober life. Thank you...” Drop-In Community Member
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Immediate Support
An Intake Resource Worker is available daily to meet with community members who have immediate needs such as obtaining medical care, clothing and houseware vouchers, social assistance, and advocacy. Alberta Works (SFI) and AADAC workers are also available on site.
- There were 14,850 Immediate Support visits in 2009
Adult Support provides individual support and advocacy to adults. Services include assisting community members in securing financial resources, finding professional medical attention, providing photo identification and weekly cooking classes.
- 319 people received services from Adult Support in 2009
- 4,784 photo ID cards were issued in 2008 and 2009 through a partnership with Bissell Centre, Boyle Street Community Services and Operation Friendship
- 98% of participants surveyed reported they were helped with things that are important to them
- 83% of participants surveyed were better able to cope with their lives with the help received through Adult Support
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“I have more confidence in helping myself and looking for help as a result of this help and intervention...” Adult Support Community Member |
Mental Health Support
Mental Health Support works with individuals who have mental health concerns, and often concurrent addictions issues, and who do not have appropriate supports to address their daily living needs. The program helps people to function successfully in the community by reducing the barriers involved in meeting their economic, social and personal needs.
- On average 9 people attend the bi-monthly cooking class which is a partnership between Bissell Centre and Boyle Street Community Services
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“Without the Drop-In centre our lives would be less fulfilled and less happy. Keep up the good work.” Drop-In Community Member |
