I need help, how do I get support at OSYS?
If you are in our age range of 14 to 24, we want to help you! The best way to get support is to drop in during our open hours. We have an easy sign-in process where we will collect your name and demographic information. There is no need to book an appointment, you don't need a referral, and we don't have a wait list. After you are signed in for the day, our staff is happy to talk to you and answer any questions you might have. If you have specific questions about any of our services, feel free to give us a call at 780-496-5947!
ID REPLACEMENT
Having an ID can be an essential step to stability. OSYS can take youth to the registry and pay for simple ID replacements, replace AB Health Care Cards, and assist in birth certificate replacements. 
INCOME SUPPORT APPLICATIONS
Filling out forms and gathering the necessary information to apply for AB Works or AISH is hard. Our staff are familiar with the process and ready to support people in navigating that process. 
GROCERIES
Support from the Edmonton Food Bank gives us the opportunity to provide clients with one grocery bag/hamper per month. Note: We rely on donations for our groceries; this program is dependent on the availability of food. 
EMOTIONAL SUPPORT
We're here to listen, support, and be consistent for youth. We understand that it can be weird to work with someone if you don't trust them, so we take a helping relationship-based approach to services. We all need a shoulder to cry on. |
HOUSING INFO & REFERRALSWhile we are not housing workers, we understand housing is a top priority for people who are unhoused or those living in precarious situations. We can do housing intakes, and referrals, and help people navigate the private housing market. For those who have consistent income and the ability to sign a lease, we can offer one-time financial support through the Supported Referral housing program with Homeward Trust. Drop in to find out more!
HARM REDUCTIONThrough our partnership with Street Works, our staff offers harm reduction education and resources. We believe in meeting people where they're at, and we do so in a nonjudgmental and trauma-informed way.
OUTREACH
Staff are often able to meet people offsite, such as supporting people at meetings, housing viewings, or appointments. You don't have to be alone, bring us with you! 
PHYSICAL AND MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT
We are lucky to be partnered with the Radius STBBI van and the CAPE Clinic to offer in-house STBBI testing and provide resources on sexual and reproductive health. Our staff want to support you in your wellness, so whether you need a check-up with a doctor or to see a psychiatrist, we can help you find resources that match what you need. |
ART & RECREATIONArt and inspiration is abound at OSYS, and staff have many different specialties and are always willing to share their passions. We have a ton of recreation events, either in-house or on outings, such as to Fort Edmonton, Edmonton Rec Centres, local festivals, Laser Tag, and much more. On Thursday afternoons we have an off-site recreation programming through a partnership with the City of Edmonton. Drop in to sign up!
CULTURAL CONNECTIONOver half of the youth we support self-identify as Indigenous, First Nations, Metis, or Inuit. It is essential we acknowledge this in our programming and intentionally connect youth with appropriate cultural resources. Youth are welcome to smudge daily and participate in weekly programming.
ARC CARDS AND BUS TICKETS
In partnership with the P.A.T.H. Program, we offer free ARC Cards and bus tickets to those experiencing homelessness or precarious housing. Please note, those on our ARC Card list must check in with us every month before the 24th to get their card reloaded! Note: If you are not currently on our bus pass program, we recommend calling ahead of time to make sure we have room on our bus pass list. |
BASIC NEEDSOSYS provides basic needs items such as snacks, meals, winter essentials, and clothing. We depend on donors, so the selection and availability of certain items will vary.
LEGAL SUPPORTLaw students from the University of Alberta stop by on a weekly basis to answer questions and provide legal resources! Their sessions are a great opportunity to ask questions and get information on how to deal with any existing legal troubles. We can also support you with calling Legal Aid, going with you to court, and looking into other legal resources.
ADVOCACY
Everyone needs someone in their corner. Whether it's attending court dates, helping you make difficult phone calls, writing letters of support, or helping you know your rights, the OSYS team is here for you. 
ACCESS TO TECHNOLOGY
Getting stuff done can be hard if you don't have a phone or computer. Drop in to use our youth phones and get support with making phone calls. |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What can I expect when I go to OSYS for the first time?
A: Staff will greet you at the door and sign you in. We will ask your name (it doesn't have to be the name on your birth certificate, tell us the name you'd like to be called while you're here), age, gender (whatever makes sense to you), and ethnicity. We will let you know what the rules are, explain how our program works, and show you around the building. If you'd like support with anything more than a snack and some clothes, we'll also have you sign a consent form. You are welcome to tell us what you need help with, or you're welcome to just hang out with us!
A: Staff will greet you at the door and sign you in. We will ask your name (it doesn't have to be the name on your birth certificate, tell us the name you'd like to be called while you're here), age, gender (whatever makes sense to you), and ethnicity. We will let you know what the rules are, explain how our program works, and show you around the building. If you'd like support with anything more than a snack and some clothes, we'll also have you sign a consent form. You are welcome to tell us what you need help with, or you're welcome to just hang out with us!
Q: If I have a question about your program, how do I get it answered if I can't come to you in person?
A: Give us a phone call at 780-496-5947, and leave us a message if we can't get to the phone! Or, feel free to reach out to the Program Coordinator at [email protected].
A: Give us a phone call at 780-496-5947, and leave us a message if we can't get to the phone! Or, feel free to reach out to the Program Coordinator at [email protected].
Q: How can you help me with housing?
A: Our staff will ask you what your current situation is, such as where you're staying, what kind of income you have, if you have any workers, etc. From there, we can help you in a few different ways. We can make referrals to housing agencies, help you research housing programs, or help you look for places to rent. We can also help you with some of the first steps to finding a place, such as getting an ID, applying for income support, or getting a bank account. There is no "one size fits all" all solution to finding a place to live, so we'll help you with what you need and want.
A: Our staff will ask you what your current situation is, such as where you're staying, what kind of income you have, if you have any workers, etc. From there, we can help you in a few different ways. We can make referrals to housing agencies, help you research housing programs, or help you look for places to rent. We can also help you with some of the first steps to finding a place, such as getting an ID, applying for income support, or getting a bank account. There is no "one size fits all" all solution to finding a place to live, so we'll help you with what you need and want.
Q: Can I get a free bus pass?
A: The answer depends on the availability of ARC Cards and your general situation. We partner with the PATH Program through the City of Edmonton, and to be eligible for their program, you must be experiencing housing instability. In short, our program depends on housing, not income. If you live somewhere stable but can't afford a regular ARC Card, our team can help you apply for the RIDE Program. If you have any bus pass related questions, feel free to give us a call at 780-496-5947 so we can help find the right program for you.
NOTE: If you have a transit ban, we cannot give you an ARC Card. Drop-in to talk about what options are available to you and how we can help you sort that out.
A: The answer depends on the availability of ARC Cards and your general situation. We partner with the PATH Program through the City of Edmonton, and to be eligible for their program, you must be experiencing housing instability. In short, our program depends on housing, not income. If you live somewhere stable but can't afford a regular ARC Card, our team can help you apply for the RIDE Program. If you have any bus pass related questions, feel free to give us a call at 780-496-5947 so we can help find the right program for you.
NOTE: If you have a transit ban, we cannot give you an ARC Card. Drop-in to talk about what options are available to you and how we can help you sort that out.
Q: Does OSYS have shelter beds?
A: No. OSYS is a day program only; we do not have people stay overnight. If you need a place to stay, drop in and we can support you with searching for emergency shelter beds
A: No. OSYS is a day program only; we do not have people stay overnight. If you need a place to stay, drop in and we can support you with searching for emergency shelter beds
Q: I need a ride somewhere. Can you drive me?
A: We do not offer rides to people under 18 or people who we haven't met before. Our ability to give you a ride depends on staff availability and why you need a ride. If you need help getting to an appointment, we can often help you. If you need a ride to a friend's house, we can't give you a ride. We can help you look for alternative transportation options though!
A: We do not offer rides to people under 18 or people who we haven't met before. Our ability to give you a ride depends on staff availability and why you need a ride. If you need help getting to an appointment, we can often help you. If you need a ride to a friend's house, we can't give you a ride. We can help you look for alternative transportation options though!
Q: I am an adult supporting someone in your age range who needs help. How do I get in contact with you?
A: We are happy to answer questions over the phone to better understand the situation. The youth is welcome to drop in during our open hours and build a plan to get help. Please note, for safety reasons, we cannot have people outside of our age range into the building. You are welcome to chat with us over the phone, and check in with us if you drop them off.
A: We are happy to answer questions over the phone to better understand the situation. The youth is welcome to drop in during our open hours and build a plan to get help. Please note, for safety reasons, we cannot have people outside of our age range into the building. You are welcome to chat with us over the phone, and check in with us if you drop them off.