WHAT WE DO
Hampers for the HomelessThe Hampers for the Homeless Program provides food to agencies that work with those experiencing homelessness in Calgary. Hampers provide short-term relief of hunger with easy to open, ready to eat, shelf stable food for one to two days.
creating a hunger-free community
Providing food to the cities most vulnerable
The Hampers for the Homeless Program was created in 1999 as a response to agencies’ concerns regarding the homeless population’s access to food. Some Calgarians living rough were falling through the cracks of the food resource system. These hampers provide short-term relief of hunger with easy to open, ready to eat, shelf stable food for one to two days. A bulk food option is also available to agencies who prefer to customize content for their client base.
The hampers and the food they provide are invaluable to vulnerable individuals and the agencies that serve them. Food is a catalyst to supporting anyone in need, and this hamper program gives the qualified agencies who serve the homeless population a starting point for conversation with those in crisis.
The estimated market value for a hamper is $30. While this provides financial relief for the recipient and the agency, the value of the hamper goes far beyond the dollar amount. When agencies aren’t focusing on food, they can focus on their core programming and use their resources to connect and work more closely with their clients, increasing their chances of being transitioned out of homelessness.

Our programming has improved through rigorous review and adaptation, letting us deliver more value to the people we serve. Want to know more? Visit our Charity Intelligence page to review the program goals and learnings.
“This program helps our outreach staff provide basic needs to those who are experiencing homelessness. It has been a significant help during the pandemic when businesses were closed and options for food decreased, we saw an increased need for these hampers.”
Calgary Alpha House, DOAP Team, Hampers for the Homeless Agency
Did You know?
Fast Facts
Numbers reflect our fiscal year, September 1, 2019 to August 31, 2020.
Hampers for the homeless
partner agencies
Money Saved
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How you can help
Donate Food
Help create a healthy meal by donating our most needed items.
Donate Funds
Donate funds securely online, by mail or in person.
Volunteer
Donate your time. Volunteers are our lifeblood.
Host an event
Get creative and engage your community, host a fundraiser.
