Maskan Transitional Shelter

Our Flagship Program

Shelter Intake & Support Journey

A Safe, Compassionate, and Client-Centered Process

At Maskan Family Association, our Transitional Shelter Program supports women and children experiencing family violence, homelessness, or crisis. We follow a structured intake process to understand each client's needs and provide appropriate support while maintaining dignity, safety, and confidentiality.

Initial Contact & Assessment

Understanding Your Situation

When a client contacts Maskan Shelter, our team completes a confidential assessment to understand their circumstances and determine eligibility for shelter support.

The assessment considers:

Current safety concerns
Reason for seeking shelter
Mental and emotional well-being
Financial situation
Family circumstances
Housing needs
Existing supports
Program eligibility

Shelter Availability & Waiting List

Following the assessment:

Eligible clients are placed on the waiting list if shelter space is unavailable.
When space becomes available, eligible clients are contacted for the next steps.
Placement is based on urgency, safety concerns, and availability.

In-Person Intake

Once accepted into the shelter, clients complete an in-person intake process.

During intake, our team reviews:

Client information and circumstances
Shelter guidelines and expectations
Privacy and confidentiality procedures
Safety planning needs
Immediate support priorities

Personalized Support Planning

Each client works with our team to identify their needs and create an individualized support plan.

Support planning may include:

Financial assistance applications
Housing support
Community referrals
Legal and immigration referrals
Employment and education support
Other resources based on individual needs

Ongoing Support During Stay

Throughout their stay, clients receive ongoing case management support focused on:

Addressing immediate needs
Connecting with appropriate services
Completing applications and referrals
Building stability and independence

Transition Planning

Before leaving Maskan Shelter, clients work with their Case Manager to create a transition plan focused on their next steps.

This may include:

Housing arrangements
Community connections
Continued referrals
Support planning

Continued Support After Shelter

Eligible clients may receive follow-up support after leaving the shelter to assist with their transition toward independent living.

Follow-up support may include:

Check-ins
Resource navigation
Advocacy
Referrals
Continued case support

Confidentiality & Safety Guidelines

The shelter address and location are confidential. Clients must not share or disclose the shelter location with anyone to protect the safety and privacy of all residents.
The use, possession, or consumption of alcohol, illegal drugs, or any substances that may affect the safety and well-being of residents is strictly prohibited within the shelter.
Clients are expected to follow all shelter safety guidelines and contribute to maintaining a respectful, secure, and supportive environment for everyone.

At Maskan Family Association, we walk alongside clients throughout their journey from the first call for help to rebuilding a safer and more stable future.

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Support Information

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Find quick answers about eligibility, intake, shelter stay, support services, privacy, and how to contact Maskan Shelter.

General Questions

Maskan Transitional Shelter provides temporary emergency accommodation and support for women and children experiencing domestic violence, homelessness, or crisis.

Women and children who require emergency shelter and are facing abuse and homelessness situations and meet program eligibility.

Yes. The shelter location and all client information are kept confidential.

No, all the shelter services are provided free of charge to eligible clients.

Yes. Children are welcome to stay with their parent or guardian.

Yes. Pregnant women who meet eligibility requirements are welcome.

Yes. We support newcomers, immigrants, refugees, and women from all backgrounds.

No. You may contact us directly.

Yes. Police, hospitals, community agencies, social workers, and other organizations may refer clients.

Assessment & Intake

A staff member will complete a confidential assessment to understand your situation and determine eligibility.

Questions may include your safety, housing situation, children, health concerns, and immediate needs.

Assessment times vary depending on individual circumstances.

Eligible clients may be placed on a waiting list and contacted when space becomes available.

If available:

Identification
Medications
Important documents
Your belongings

You'll complete paperwork, review shelter rules, discuss your needs, and create an initial support plan.

Shelter Stay

Most stays are up to 3 to 4 weeks, with extensions considered based on individual needs and availability.

We provide:

Safe accommodation
Food
Pantry supplies
Hygiene items
Laundry
Case management
Referrals
Emotional support

Yes. Clients have access to kitchen facilities and pantry supplies.

Yes. Basic hygiene items are available.

Yes.

No. For safety and confidentiality, visitors are not permitted unless approved by staff.

Yes. Clients may leave and return during their stay while following Maskan Shelter's safety guidelines and sign-out procedures.

For the safety and well-being of all residents, clients are required to inform shelter staff before leaving and provide updates regarding their expected return. If a client leaves the shelter and does not return or communicate with staff within 48 hours, and their safety cannot be confirmed, Maskan may contact the police to file a missing person report as part of our safety procedures.

Our priority is always the safety and well-being of our clients.

Support Services

Support may include:

Housing
Income Support
Child Benefits
Legal referrals
Immigration referrals
Employment assistance
Mental health referrals
Housing referrals
Second stage shelter transfers

Yes. We assist clients in finding safe housing and applying for second-stage shelters.

Yes. We assist with government benefit applications when eligible.

We provide referrals to legal guidance and Legal Aid Alberta.

We provide emotional support and referrals to professional counselling services depending on funding.

Yes. We support clients in their employment journey by connecting them with job resources, employment programs, skills training, and career development opportunities.

Our support may include:

Resume building and review
Job search guidance
Interview preparation
Employment referrals
Skills development workshops
Training opportunities to improve workplace readiness

Yes. We assist with school registration and referrals to children's services when needed.

Leaving the Shelter

Your Case Manager will help you develop a transition plan and connect you with ongoing community supports.

Yes. Eligible clients may receive up to six months of post-shelter follow-up support under our outreach program.

Wellness check-ins
Resource navigation
Referrals
Case management
Advocacy

Privacy & Safety

Yes. All information is kept confidential and shared only with your consent or when required to access services.

No. For the safety of all residents, the shelter location is confidential.

Our staff will work with you to develop a personalized safety plan throughout your stay.

Contact

Our shelter location is confidential to help ensure the safety and privacy of the women and children we support.

For all shelter inquiries, please call us at 403-971-2774 or email shelter@maskanfamily.com. Our team will be happy to provide information and guide you through the next steps.

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