Calgary Outlink has been leading the way in our city’s LGBTQ community by providing resources, support groups, and the necessary OUT-IS-OK line for years. Not to outdo themselves, they have raised the bar even higher. Starting this month, Outlink will be offering free counselling, and has begun the process of creating a safe shelters project for our LGBTQ folks in need.

"The safer shelters project is close to my heart due to my personal experience with homelessness and working with youth experiencing homelessness in Calgary," says Stasha Huntingford, of the Calgary Outlink Safe Shelter Program. "I believe this research will raise awareness of what LGBTQ2S+ people experience when accessing supports, and the role of discrimination and social isolation in homelessness."

Three University of Calgary medical students produced a summary of recommendations taken from assorted North American resources that addressed LGBTQ populations along with homelessness and shelter use. It is with this information that Calgary Outlink hopes to create the Safe Shelters Project.

In order to begin this much-needed program, Outlink needs the help of the public. There is an official call out for folks that wish to join an ethics committee, charged with creating the foundation for the program to be built. If you are a member of the LGBTQ2S+ community, a man who has had sex with men (MSM) or woman who had sex with women (WSW), or have had past or current experiences with homelessness or precarious housing, Outlink would love to have you join a community research ethics board for its research project on informing safer shelters. No previous research experience is necessary to join, and the Community Research Ethics Board members will be paid an honourarium for their time.

On top of this exciting development, Calgary Outlink will also be expanding its counselling program in months to come. With one counsellor alrady hired, there will be more to fill the much needed addition to Outlink. This will be a free service to the community. Stay tuned for future announcements.

Of course there is also a need for dedicated volunteers as these programs take off. If you are interested in applying to be a volunteer, please visit the Calgary Outlink website at http://www.calgaryoutlink.ca/ .