· 10 min read · How-to

Edmonton support: what to do first (crisis, shelter tonight, detox, mental health)

A simple, Edmonton-first decision tree for the first 10 minutes: who to call, where to go, and what to try next if the first option does not work.

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If you are overwhelmed, you do not need a perfect plan. You need one real next step.

If you are in immediate danger

Call 911 right now. If you can, also call or text 988 for suicide crisis support in Canada.

If you need help now, but it is not an emergency

  • 211 (Alberta 211) is the fastest way to get pointed to the right Edmonton resource. Ask for one best option and one backup.
  • 811 (Health Link) is useful when health symptoms, medication, or withdrawal risk are involved and you are not sure what is safe.

If you need a place to sleep tonight

Start with: Shelter tonight in Edmonton. If the first shelter is full, do not stop. Use the backup steps on that page and try the next option immediately.

If you are dealing with withdrawal or need detox

Start with: Detox / withdrawal support. If you are unsure what is medically safe, use 811 for clinical guidance while you work through intake options.

If you need mental health crisis support

Start with: Edmonton crisis help. If the first call does not answer, try the backup option listed on the same page. The goal is contact, not the perfect contact.

If you are helping someone else

  • Ask: “What is the smallest next step I can do in 10 minutes?”
  • Offer to make the call, sit with them while they call, or take notes while they talk.
  • Keep choices small: one option now, one backup, then pause.

Use the directory without getting stuck

  • Open: Directory
  • Pick one category (crisis, housing, withdrawal, treatment).
  • Open one listing. Call or go. If it fails, move to the next listing.

Last note: YEG Support is navigation only. Please call providers directly to confirm hours, intake, and availability.

  • edmonton
  • crisis
  • shelter
  • mental-health