What Calgary Homeless Foundation does

Calgary Homeless Foundation (CHF), founded in 1998 in Calgary, Alberta, is a non-profit backbone organization that allocates resources, coordinates infrastructure, and convenes the city's homelessness response system. Operating from a headquarters at Suite 1100, 550 6 Ave. SW, CHF serves as the official Community Entity for the federal Reaching Home strategy and as a designated coordination partner for the Government of Alberta, City of Calgary, and Indigenous governments. It channels funding and operational support to 26+ frontline agencies, 64 funded programs, and trained 701 agency staff at no cost to the agencies, while serving end populations including adults, youth (ages 13-24), families, and Indigenous peoples experiencing homelessness.

CHF's core technology stack centers on one of Canada's most comprehensive homelessness data warehouses, integrated through a Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) used by 870 frontline staff across 36 agencies and 135 programs. Layered on top are two operational tools: MAGE, a geo-tracking application that gives outreach teams real-time visibility into encampment locations and coordinates visits across agencies; and the Coordinated Entry Tool (CET), which centralizes service histories to enable trauma-informed assessment and referral. CHF also runs a Theory of Change framework that maps program outcomes across physical/mental health, financial stability, community connection, and housing domains. The organization convenes weekly multi-partner meetings and co-hosts the annual 'Data That Makes a Difference' conference with the University of Calgary School of Public Policy.

CHF's financial model is approximately 95% government-sourced: 47% from the Government of Alberta, 46% from the Government of Canada (Reaching Home), and 2% from the City of Calgary, with the remainder from philanthropic donations and investment income. Eighty-six percent of funding flows to system program allocation and 13% to operating expenditures. CHF does not charge agencies for its coordination, data, or funding-allocation services; it monetizes impact indirectly through continued government designations and donor confidence, supported by Charity Intelligence's 5-star rating and A+ results reporting grade. In 2016, CHF divested its housing portfolio to HomeSpace Society to consolidate focus on system planning and funding allocation rather than direct property ownership.

Name

Calgary Homeless Foundation

Legal name

Calgary Homeless Foundation

Website

https://calgaryhomeless.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1998

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Calgary Homeless Foundation is a non-profit backbone organization that allocates government and donor funding, coordinates 26+ frontline agencies, and operates Canada's most comprehensive homelessness data warehouse (HMIS, MAGE, CET) to combat homelessness in Calgary.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Homelessness Services Coordination & Nonprofit Funding Allocation

NAICS

Community Housing Services (62422), Temporary Shelters (624221), Emergency and Other Relief Services (624230)

SIC

Services-Social Services (8300)

akta.pro primary industry

Housing Assistance & Homeless Services (BPAGAEAB)

akta.pro secondary industries

Homelessness Prevention, Shelter & Supportive Housing Services (BPAIANAC), Affordable Housing & Community Development (Housing, Community Land Trusts) (BPAGALAC)

Keywords

• Homelessness system coordination
• Nonprofit funding allocation
• Homeless management information system
• Supportive housing programs
• Social services data analytics

Headquarters

HQ city

Calgary

HQ country

Canada

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Operations, Personnel, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Others

Revenue model

1. Government Funding - Government of Alberta: Primary government funding source representing 47% of total funding. CHF works in partnership with the provincial government on system planning, sector-wide training, accreditation, and results-based frameworks.
2. Government Funding - Government of Canada: Federal funding through Reaching Home strategy representing 46% of total funding. CHF serves as Community Entity for Calgary, allocating funds and overseeing coordinated access to supportive housing.
3. Government Funding - City of Calgary: Municipal government funding representing 2% of total funding. CHF allocates funds on behalf of the City and collaborates on initiatives including Extreme Weather Response, Day Spaces, and Outreach Coordination.
4. Fundraising & Donations: Philanthropic donations from individuals and organizations supporting CHF's mission. Donor dollars provide flexibility to respond to urgent situations and emerging community needs.
5. Investment & Other Income: Investment returns and other miscellaneous income sources complementing government funding and donations.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels10 records

Core offering

Calgary Homeless Foundation is a nonprofit backbone organization that allocates government and philanthropic funding to 26+ frontline agencies delivering homelessness services in Calgary. It operates Canada's most comprehensive homelessness data warehouse (HMIS) and proprietary coordination tools (MAGE geo-tracking app, Coordinated Entry Tool), enabling real-time system-wide coordination, evidence-based resource allocation, and trauma-informed service delivery.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) Real-time data platform providing dashboards, analytics, referrals, and outcome tracking for Calgary's homelessness response sector. Used by 870 frontline staff across 36 agencies and 135 programs for service coordination and outcome measurement.
• MAGE Geo-tracking Application Geo-tracking mobile application that provides real-time visibility into encampment locations, enables outreach teams to plan client appointments, share field intelligence to avoid duplicate responses, and locate new clients across the city of Calgary.
• Coordinated Entry Tool (CET) Centralized assessment and referral system that creates a trauma-informed experience by maintaining centralized service histories so individuals do not have to repeatedly retell their traumatic stories when accessing homelessness services.
• Funding Allocation Program Program that allocates 86% of received government and donor funding to 64 programs across 26+ frontline agencies, including supportive housing services, prevention, diversion, day spaces, extreme weather response, and Indigenous-led responses.
• Sector-Wide Training and Accreditation Programs Capacity-building program providing sector-wide training and accreditation to frontline agency staff at no cost, with 701 staff trained across partner agencies to strengthen Calgary's homelessness response.
• Point-in-Time Count Research Reports Biennial enumeration research that produces snapshot data on people experiencing homelessness in Calgary on a specific night, identifying demographic trends and changes over time to inform policy and resource allocation.

Quantifiable outcome

• 1,441 people supported to avoid or move out of homelessness
• +5 more outcomes

Named customers7 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

18 partnerships are on record, tiered core and key.

• HomeSpace SocietycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerStrategic housing partnership where HomeSpace provides safe, affordable housing and housing management expertise while CHF ensures operational funding for on-site services and supports. CHF identifies who buildings should serve and what type of housing will have greatest impact. This partnership model is intentionally designed to meet the most pressing needs in the community.
• Aboriginal Friendship Centre of Calgary (AFCC)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerKey Indigenous partner supporting Calgary's urban Indigenous community. AFCC is a key partner in Extreme Weather Response (EWR), ensuring culturally-centred warming spaces. CHF supports AFCC's Elder's Lodge, a supportive housing program for seniors. Partnership includes funding for Indigenous-led response to homelessness.
• MiskanawahcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerIndigenous youth services organization. CHF supports embedding cultural connection and healing practices within their supportive housing programming for youth. Partnership includes sweat lodges, round dances, and 4 days of sacred teaching events. Miskanawah's Strengthening Home Fires program develops cultural reconnection outreach units.
• G4 (Stoney Nakoda – Tsuut'ina Tribal Council)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerG4 serves as the Community Entity for Indigenous Reaching Home funding. CHF collaborates with G4 on biennial enumeration and data collection for Point-in-Time Counts. Partnership coordinates and guides system development that reflects Indigenous priorities.
• University of Calgary School of Public PolicycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLong-standing research partnership (over a decade) with the School of Public Policy. CHF provides data and insights that inform research shaping policy and strengthening practice across the homelessness sector. Co-hosts the annual 'Data That Makes a Difference' conference.
• Government of CanadacoreOthersCHF works with federal government through Reaching Home strategy to address chronic homelessness and support community-led coordination. CHF serves as Community Entity for Calgary, allocating funds, overseeing coordinated access to supportive housing, and ensuring resources are directed where most needed.
• Government of AlbertacoreOthersPartnership with provincial government aligns with government priorities, leveraging CHF's expertise in system planning, sector-wide training and accreditation, and results-based framework. CHF's data warehouse helps Government of Alberta make evidence-based policy and funding decisions.
• City of CalgarycoreOthersCHF allocates funds on behalf of the City and collaborates on Extreme Weather Response, Day Spaces, and Outreach Coordination. Partnership leverages relationships with police, bylaw, and transit services for comprehensive homelessness response.
• The Alex Community Health CentrekeyStrategic or Co-development PartnerCHF-funded program partner. CHF's Evaluation Manager collaborates with The Alex in developing programmatic Theory of Change across five funded initiatives. This process helps programs define objectives, articulate key activities, and identify necessary metrics and outcomes.
• Calgary Drop-In CentrekeyStrategic or Co-development PartnerMajor shelter and housing provider partner. CHF works with Calgary Drop-In Centre on coordinated responses and system-level planning for housing and homelessness response.
• Mustard SeedkeyStrategic or Co-development PartnerKey partner in Day Spaces and Extreme Weather Response. Mustard Seed operates year-round welcoming community day space offering coffee, meals, essential items, employment support, and housing referrals. Partnership enables over 37,000 seasonal day space visits.
• Alpha House CalgarykeyStrategic or Co-development Partner24/7 short-term, crisis-oriented emergency shelter partner. Alpha House's Encampment Team uses CHF's MAGE geo-tracking app for planning client appointments and coordinating with other outreach teams.
• Salvation Army CalgarykeyStrategic or Co-development PartnerKey shelter and service provider partner operating mobile support stations during Extreme Weather Response. Mobile units offer food, drinks, connections to housing supports, and transportation to shelters.
• Distress Centre CalgarykeyStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in day spaces providing snacks, coffee, essential items, and connections to coordinated care, health services, and housing supports through the Coordinated Access and Assessment system.
• CUPS Calgary SocietykeyStrategic or Co-development PartnerAdult and family services partner providing programs addressing physical health, mental health, housing, and family wellness.
• Wood's HomeskeyStrategic or Co-development PartnerYouth services partner providing mental health services and homelessness support for young people. Operates Inglewood Opportunity Hub (IOH) providing integrated supports for youth experiencing or at risk of homelessness.
• Centre for NewcomerskeyStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner addressing homelessness among immigrant and refugee populations. Joint presentation with CHF on emerging data connections between newcomer settlement services and the homelessness system.
• Inn from the ColdkeyStrategic or Co-development PartnerFamily shelter and housing partner. Developed 24/7 triage and housing solutions assessment with CHF support to connect families to right supports at the right time.

Scale indicators15 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Homeward Trust Edmonton: Edmonton's homelessness backbone organization using the same funder/coordinator model as CHF in Alberta. Allocates government funding to frontline agencies, runs an HMIS, and coordinates a city-wide housing and homelessness response — the closest structural comparator.
• End Homelessness Winnipeg: Winnipeg's designated Community Entity under the federal Reaching Home program and backbone coordinator for that city's homelessness sector. Mirrors CHF's combination of funding allocation, data warehousing, and system coordination duties at the city level.
• BC Non-Profit Housing Association: Provincial backbone organization for the non-profit housing sector in British Columbia. Plays a similar funder-coordinator role across BC's housing and homelessness ecosystem, including advocacy, data, and capacity-building functions.
• United Way Calgary and Area: Calgary-based federated funding organization that channels donations and government funding into the city's social services. Shares CHF's donor-management, grant-allocation, and cross-sector coordination functions in the same geographic market.
• A Way Home Canada: National backbone organization focused on ending youth homelessness in Canada. Operates with a similar model of funding coordination, network convening, and data-driven system planning across multiple Canadian cities.
• Greater Victoria Coalition to End Homelessness: Coalition-style backbone organization coordinating Victoria, BC's homelessness response. Operates with the same backbone-funder model as CHF, leveraging government funding and partner agencies to coordinate a city-level homelessness ecosystem.

Broad incumbents

• Community Foundations of Canada: National umbrella for 191 community foundations across Canada with grantmaking, data, and convening functions. Operates at a broader scale but with structurally similar funding-allocation and community-impact coordination capabilities relevant to CHF's backbone role.
• HomeBase / The Center for Common Concerns: US-based technical assistance and consulting organization for homelessness response systems. Comparable as a sector-wide coordinator offering capacity building, training, and planning support to public agencies — a peer to CHF's system-planner function.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/user/HomelessFoundation
• Facebookfacebook.com/CalgaryHomeless
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/calgary-homeless-foundation
• Instagraminstagram.com/calgaryhomeless

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles6 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Calgary Homeless Foundation