A Safe Place to Sleep and a Plan to Feed More Calgarians
I met Chris and Evan at the front doors of Journey Church in northwest Calgary on a day that started grey and quickly turned into a downpour.
Chris is the executive pastor, and within about 30 seconds of meeting him, I knew exactly who he reminded me of: Greg Kinnear, the actor who played the father in Heaven Is for Real. He has that same warmth and quiet, steady kindness.
You could immediately tell how much he cared about what he was about to show me, and about the people this building serves every day.
Before we even made it through the doors, I noticed people in the parking lot. Some were coming and going. Others were resting beneath a tree or leaning against a lamp post, and found their way inside as the sky opened up.
It was a small detail, but it told me a lot about why this place matters.
Inside, volunteers were serving coffee and sandwiches in the hallway. Along the north wall, mats stretched the length of the room. Every one was occupied by someone sleeping.
Chris explained that many people come to Journey Church specifically because they know they can sleep here safely.
That is something most of us probably take for granted: having somewhere we can close our eyes without worrying about what might happen to us or to the few belongings we have.
This is the Day Space, a weekday ministry operated by Journey Church Calgary for people experiencing homelessness. It is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
People can come in for a meal, take a shower, wash their clothes or simply sit somewhere warm and safe. They can also be connected with housing, health care, detox and treatment programs, employment services and financial support.
The Day Space operates in partnership with Distress Centre Calgary and welcomes people from across the city. Its location near the Tuscany CTrain station makes it accessible to people who may be travelling a long way to get there.
Chris then showed me the clothing donation area. A volunteer manages it from behind a table set up like a small counter, with donated clothing organized on hangers by size and divided into men’s and women’s sections.
She told me that the biggest need right now is men’s extra-large clothing.
If you are cleaning out a closet this fall, that is one very practical way you can help.
From there, we went upstairs to see the church’s commercial kitchen. It is large enough to support weddings and other events when the church rents its space, but that isn’t what Chris was most excited to talk about.
He sees the potential for that kitchen to provide real, cooked meals for the people coming through the Day Space. Not just occasionally, when volunteers are available, but consistently.
Journey Church is working to raise $60,000 by spring so it can hire a cook and begin serving regular hot meals.
That is the immediate goal, but it is part of a much bigger vision. The church also hopes to expand its lobby so it can welcome and support more people experiencing homelessness, and help more of them find the resources they need to move forward and, ultimately, get off the street.
I have walked through a lot of organizations over the years. Many talk about making an impact.
Journey Church is quietly doing it every day, rain or shine, with volunteers pouring coffee, people sleeping safely on mats and a pastor who lights up when he talks about using a kitchen to feed people.
For anyone looking for a Calgary church that puts faith into action, Journey Church is a powerful example of what it means to serve your neighbours in practical, meaningful ways.
How You Can Help
Give toward the cook fund.
Journey Church is raising $60,000 to hire a cook and provide consistent hot meals through the Day Space. You can donate through Journey Church’s giving page, by e-transfer to accounting@myjourney.church, or through the Church Center app.
Donate clothing.
The Day Space particularly needs men’s extra-large clothing. Contact Journey Church directly to arrange a drop-off.
Volunteer at the Day Space.
The Day Space is open weekdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Email dayspace@myjourney.church to learn how you can get involved.
You can also visit Serve Calgary on FaithFinder to discover more ways to support local churches, ministries and community organizations.
Journey Church is located at 10307 Eamon Road NW, Calgary, about 300 metres from the Tuscany LRT lot. The church offers in-person tours, and after spending an afternoon there, I would encourage you to visit and support a meaningful cause.
