P.A.L.S. – Project Adult Literacy Society Community Reference Michael Kubish 2015 Purpose of this manual The purpose of this manual is to give you information that you may need to assist your student in relation to specific issues and to inform you of the various services that are available. Your Program Coordinator is available to assist you and your student with any issues or problems that you may encounter. 211 211 Edmonton is a program of The Support Network that provides information about community services to the people who need them. 211 Edmonton is your single access point to the health, human services, community resources, and government assistance people need every day as well as in times of crisis. 211 can help you find: basic needs (food, clothing, shelter and financial support) employment resources parenting support counselling/support groups health care legal services and much more In addition to calling 211, you can access 211 online at 211edmonton.com 1 Table of Contents Housing ......................................................................................................................................................... 3 Employment and Income Support ................................................................................................................ 4 Food .............................................................................................................................................................. 4 Addiction ....................................................................................................................................................... 5 Health ............................................................................................................................................................ 5 Health Information ................................................................................................................................... 5 Health Benefits .......................................................................................................................................... 5 Personal Health Card ................................................................................................................................ 6 Legal Services ................................................................................................................................................ 6 Seniors Services............................................................................................................................................. 6 Clothing ......................................................................................................................................................... 7 Aboriginal Services ........................................................................................................................................ 8 Interpretation Services ................................................................................................................................. 8 Edmonton Public Library………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….9 Disabilities ................................................................................................................................................... 11 Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped (AISH) ........................................................................... 11 Services for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing ............................................................................................. 11 Parking for Persons with Disabilities ....................................................................................................... 12 Pregnancy.................................................................................................................................................... 12 Compass Centre for Sexual Wellness ...................................................................................................... 12 Domestic Violence Services ........................................................................................................................ 13 Police ....................................................................................................................................................... 13 Edmonton Women’s Shelter ................................................................................................................... 13 Recreation ................................................................................................................................................... 13 Habitat for Humanity .................................................................................................................................. 16 Furniture ..................................................................................................................................................... 16 Thrift Stores ................................................................................................................................................ 16 2 Housing Capital Region Housing Corporation There are resources that can help if you are having difficulty finding a place to live on your budget. The Capital Region Housing Corporation is one of the largest providers of affordable and community housing. The CRHC offers: Affordable housing: offers rents that are about 10% less than the market rate. Community housing: calculates your rent as a portion of your income, meaning that you pay less if you make less. There are income requirements that you cannot exceed (see table below). Supportive housing: program for those who need assistance for quality daily life. Help is provided to help you find you own support system. This is a supplement to the community housing program. Direct rent supplement: offers a subsidy to help you pay your rent to a private landlord. The supplement is based on the difference between 30% of your income and your rent. The maximum subsidy is $500. There are income requirements that you cannot exceed (see table below). Maximum Household Income Allowed: Size Maximum Income per Year Bachelor $31 000 One bedroom $36 000 Two bedroom $44 500 Three bedroom $56 000 Four bedroom $61 500 Five + bedroom $64 500 Students may need assistance with the forms. Phone: 780-420-6161 24 hour information phone line (recorded): 780-428-8200 Email: access through website at crhc.ca/contact-us Address: 10232 112 St NW Edmonton, AB T5K 1M4 Web: crhc.ca 3 Employment and Income Support Alberta Works Helps the unemployed find jobs. They are professionals who can guide you through resources and help you find work. Income Support provides financial assistance to Albertans who do not have the resources to meet their basic needs like food, clothing and shelter. If you are struggling to meet these basic needs, you can apply for Income Support. Phone: 780-644-9992 Email: [email protected] Edmonton City Centre Alberta Works Centre 10242-105 Street Edmonton North Alberta Works Centre Unit #2050 Northgate Center 9499-137 Avenue Edmonton South Alberta Works Centre Argyll Centre 6325 Gateway Boulevard Edmonton Meadowlark Alberta Works Centre 120 Meadowlark Shopping Centre 15710-87 Avenue Food Edmonton’s Food Bank They provide information on how to order a hamper of food, where to pick up free bread, where to eat community meals, and how to buy inexpensive groceries. Phone: 780-425-4190 Address: 11508 120 ST NW, Edmonton, Alberta T5G 2Y2 Web: edmontonsfoodbank.com 4 Addiction Addiction Helpline There is a toll free confidential service which provides alcohol, tobacco, other drugs and problem gambling support, information, and referrals to services. The Addiction Helpline operates 24 hour a day, seven days a week and is available to all Albertans. Contact the Addiction Helpline: Phone: 1-866-332-2322 Health Health Information For health advice and information, call 811 to talk to Health Link. By dialing 811, you will get quick and easy advice from a registered nurse 24/7. They will ask questions, assess symptoms and determine the best care for you. You can also call 811 if you are having difficulty finding a doctor. If your English is not strong, interpreters are available in 200 languages. Remember, in a medical emergency, always call 911 or visit the nearest emergency department. Health Benefits The Government of Alberta provides additional health coverage for those with a low income and without health benefits through their employer. This service is available to anyone receiving Income Support, but you can also apply directly if you are not on Income Support. The Health Benefits Card covers some prescription drugs, basic dental care, and basic eye care. You can learn more about the Health Benefits Card at Alberta Works: Phone: 780-644-9992 Toll Free Phone: 1-877-644-9992 Email: [email protected] 5 Personal Health Card The first step to health care is a Personal Health Card through the Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan. This gets you basic coverage including doctor’s visits and emergency care. If you live in Alberta, you are probably eligible for coverage. If you have citizenship, permanent residency, or are a Temporary Foreign Worker, you can get coverage. Most study and work permits allow you to get coverage as well. Phone: 780-427-1432 Mail: Alberta Health Attention: Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan P.O. Box 1360, Station Main Edmonton, AB T5J 2N3 Email: [email protected] Legal Services Legal Aid Alberta Accessing the legal system can