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We’re restoring dignity to Calgarians experiencing homelessness.

For 35 years, SHARP has provided safe housing for thousands in Calgary with high complexity needs- often considered unhousable.
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Have you seen us on CTV News? Learn how we are building self-esteem and community.

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We provide housing healthcare support

for vulnerable Calgarians with high complexity needs.

Our clients face significant challenges related to mental illness, substance use, physical health, and conditions like HIV or hepatitis. The SHARP Foundation's mission is to help them live longer, more independent lives within a supportive community.

How we help.

SHARP’s programs build bridges for housing-insecure Calgarians in need of stability and support so they can thrive.

Become a recurring donor.

Making a big impact doesn’t have to be expensive. Join with countless others who contribute monthly to SHARP, ensuring our residents continue to receive life-saving services. Together - we can make a difference!

How you can help.

Your volunteerism and financial support ensure our programs continue to be robust and successful.
35
Years of Service

What is the return on investment when supporting SHARP?

Without SHARP, highly marginalised, at-risk Calgarians live on the street, encountering supports only in crisis scenarios with police and emergency medical services.

Our programs not only provide support to Calgarians in need but also do so much more economically than tax-payer funded programs can.
Know the issues

Meet our top sponsors.

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RBC-Bank
ATB-Financial
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TD-Insurance
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SHARP just makes cents.

Affordable care that saves lives, meaningful impact that strengthens communities, and proven expertise that provides scalable results for those in need.

Our programs reduce burden on our healthcare system.

With SHARP

Continuum of care

Financial Impact

Average cost per day of care for high complexity cases*

  • $140.20

Average cost per year of care*

  • $50,472.00

*The prices reflect data from 2024.

Type of Care

Personalised, home-like care designed for dignity and comfort.

Access to mental health support, social and spiritual support, and specialized programs.

Community Impact

Reduces strain on hospital systems by providing specialized care.

Strengthens the community by addressing homelessness and health inequalities.

Without SHARP

Tax-payer system

Financial Impact

Estimated cost for a standard hospital stay in Calgary

$ 8500

Estimated cost per year of care*

$ 3151775

*Public system prices reflect data from the 2021-2022 fiscal year, sourced from Alberta Health Services. Source Link

Type of Care

Institutionalised hospital settings with limited social and emotional support.

Higher stress and lower quality of life for residents.

Community Impact

Increased healthcare system burden due to preventable hospitalizations.

Greater challenges in addressing homelessness and systemic inequalities.

Help us continue to make a difference.

Your contribution to The SHARP Foundation goes beyond housing—it helps restore hope and dignity.

80% of SHARP clients report improved health and stability within 6 months

SHARP’s visionary founder Walter Beswick set into motion a culture of hospitality and deep respect when caring for some of Calgary’s most vulnerable, and this approach has continued to be integral to our success.

We provide holistic, non-judgmental care for Calgarians living with high complexity health and social needs including poverty, mental health, HIV, housing instability, and more.

See the world through her eyes.

Laughing Moon Yelloweyes (Bev) came to Murray’s House from the streets and found a new future.

Say hello to our community partners.

We are grateful for the support of partners, foundations, and other generous people in our community and across the country. You make the work we do possible.

Alberta-Goverment
Home-Space
Alberta-Health-Services
Calgary-Housing
Calgary-Foundation
Calgary-Food-Bank
Calgary-Homeless-Foundation
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What they’re saying about us.

I am writing to express my appreciation for the excellent work The SHARP Foundation does for the community. Your dedication to providing supportive housing and care to individuals facing homelessness and health challenges is truly commendable.
Dan
Volunteering with SHARP has given me a platform to be able to make genuine and meaningful relationships not only with the clients but also with the staff who seem to work endlessly to make this foundation so successful.
Ashley
Ashley Volunteer
Murray's House is a wonderful place to do the transition from coming to the streets, to having your own place and learn how to live on your own two feet.
Bev
Bev Resident

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Latest news & articles

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Collaboration for Lasting Impact

At The SHARP Foundation, we believe that meaningful change happens through strong partnerships. Our community partners provide essential resources, services, and expertise that enable us to support individuals experiencing complex health and housing challenges. 

Providing healthcare support, research, and public health initiatives that enhance SHARP’s ability to care for our residents.

       

Helping The SHARP Foundation navigate housing resources, secure stable accommodations, and access homelessness prevention programs.

   

           

Enhancing the quality of life for SHARP’s residents through mental health support, harm reduction, and wellness programs.

             

   

Helping The SHARP Foundation provide nutritious meals and essential supplies to residents in need.

                     

Advancing best practices in healthcare and social services through research, student engagement, and knowledge sharing.

                     

Together, we can create a stronger, more inclusive community.

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