Homelessness Support
Central United Church has always been a congregation that seeks to serve the community around us. As an inner-city church this includes actively serving individuals and families who are experiencing or have experienced homelessness.
EXIT Youth Outreach/Wood’s Homes
In the 1990′s Central took on the ambitious project of purchasing a small building several doors down from our main sanctuary. Over the years this building (formerly the Canadian Bible Society) has served as a ministry and program space for several local social service non-profits. Currently it is being utilized by EXIT Youth Outreach/Wood’s Homes as a space for street entrenched youth to find support and resources. EXIT Outreach provides a safe space, medical care, counselling, basic care needs (showers, snacks, laundry, etc) for youth ages 12-24.
Inn From the Cold
As a founding organization of Inn From the Cold, Central has had a long and positive relationship with IFTC as they serve families and individuals who are experiencing homelessness. Central is active in providing space and volunteers on a regular basis for IFTC guests – both at our church facility and as volunteers at their family shelter. We also share our space with other local churches to wish to provide volunteer evenings for IFTC guests.
Project Homeless Connect
Project Homeless Connect, or PHC, is a one day event offered quarterly where homeless or near-homeless individual and families are provided with services and supplies in one location. Central is the only Christian church that has been welcomed to participate in this event and our volunteers make themselves available to meet with individuals who would like to receive prayer, spiritual conversation and opportunity to connect with a faith community.
Recreational Outreach
Grown out of our “Reimagine” project, Central has been partnering with the Calgary Drop-In and Rehab Centre in hosting and running recreational drop-in programs. This sport-oriented night first begin out of Central’s gymnasium but has had to relocate to the Eau Claire YMCA to accommodate the large number of participants.
