Participant
We are all at different stages in our lives, we all have different priorities, and we trust that you are the expert in your own life. So, your self-directed goals can be in any area of your life: starting a business, trying a new therapist, exploring a new hobby, navigating the legal system -almost anything!
No. You just need to join the program before you turn 31. Once you’re in, you’re in. And after they graduate, we invite all past-participants or “alumni” to continue to be a part of the community.
The Doorway’s MyPlan program is a 2-year self-directed process. Each time you come in, you can expect to fuel-up on bottomless coffee, snacks, and a home cooked lunch. You will have the space to gather your thoughts and feelings, putting them to paper. This reflection will help you organize your priorities, map the options available to you, and to decide the changes you are ready to make in your life. Finally, you will plan steps towards these changes and review your plans with staff and volunteers.
The Doorway is a self-directed program and is not a drop-in space. Once you are a participant, the space is yours and you are welcome to come in anytime we are open. To give you a break from the noise, stress and pressures of “the Street,” we deliberately put our office just outside of downtown. We invite participants, staff and volunteers alike all bring their authentic and best selves to the Doorway, and to treat this shared space as a communal workspace. The “work” is reflection on where you are today, and action planning to get where you want to be tomorrow.
The Doorway provides a cash incentive for each goal set. Participants can receive about $50 dollars a day, or about $200 in a month. You are not employed by the Doorway, and these incentives do not count as income when you file your taxes or apply for AlbertaWorks or AISH.
Email us at friends@thedoorway.ca or call us at (403) 269-6658 on a Thursday morning to book an orientation.
Donor & General
The program is for Calgarians aged 17-30 who are unhoused or experiencing unstable housing. The program is right for you if you are ready to move beyond day-to-day survival and take steps towards long-term change.
Participants set goals tailored to their unique needs and priorities. These can range from starting a business or pursuing therapy to exploring new hobbies or navigating the legal system. The program trusts participants to identify and work toward what matters most in their lives.
The Doorway offers a self-directed, supportive space—not a drop-in space. Located just outside of downtown Calgary, the office provides participants with a break from the noise and pressures of life on the street. It’s a communal workspace where participants, staff, and volunteers collaborate and reflect, helping individuals plan their path forward.
Through the MyPlan program, participants engage in a 2-year self-directed process. Each visit provides access to a welcoming environment with coffee, snacks, and home-cooked meals. Participants reflect on their priorities, explore options, and map out actionable steps toward their goals with the support of staff and volunteers.
Donations allow us to sustain and expand this life-changing program. Your support ensures that young Calgarians facing housing instability have access to a safe space, practical resources, and a chance to build a better future. Reach out at friends@thedoorway.ca or call us at 403-269-6658 to learn more about how your contributions make a difference.
The Doorway provides participants with a cash incentive for setting and working toward their goals. Participants can earn approximately $50 per day or $200 per month. These funds are not considered income for tax purposes or when applying for AlbertaWorks or AISH, ensuring they don’t impact other financial support.
No. Participants only need to join before they turn 31. Once enrolled, they remain part of the program. Alumni are also welcomed to stay connected as part of the broader community.