The Community, Health, Empowerment & Wellness (CHEW) Project. CHEW provides a safe environment and free frontline support for 2SLGBTQ+ youth and emerging adults aged 29 and below who face barriers. These barriers include mental health, poverty, houselessness, substance use, sexual health, oppression, and more.
The CHEW Project has is a community-based initiative that has locations in Edmonton and Calgary. CHEW's Edmonton location is run in partnership with YESS and Boyle Street Community Services. CHEW Calgary is in partnership with Community Wise and is funded by the Calgary Community Foundation.
Some services offered at CHEW include counseling, crisis intervention, Indigenous Peer Support, and drop-in for basic needs and support.
The CHEW Project is more than a program, it’s a home to the numerous 2SLGBTQ+ youth who seek out its services.
CHEW's downtown OUTpost is an inclusive drop-in space focused on creating community and well-being. The space offers:
- Harm reduction (supplies, naloxone, education & outreach, STI testing)
- Basic needs (food, emergency food hampers, shower, laundry, clothing, personal hygiene)
- Mental health support (crisis intervention, counselling)
- Community referrals (housing, income support, referrals to other safe organizations and agencies)
- Queer space (hang out with other peeps just like you)
- Community outreach (taking support and food out into the community with our partners at Nekem)
- Traditional smudge supplies
- Support for families, service providers, youth & emerging adults, and newcomer 2SLGBTQ+ Canadians.
Edmonton location and hours of operation:
7103 105 ST NW Edmonton, AB
Monday, Wednesday and Friday 12 PM - 5 PM
Tuesday and Thursday 12 PM - 7 PM
*Hours are subject to change. If you need support outside of these hours, please call or text the Distress Line at 780-482-4357 (HELP) or visit the Rainbow Pages.
Calgary location and hours of operation:
CommunityWise
#215- 2710 17 Avenue SE, Calgary, AB
Monday to Friday 10 AM - 6 PM
T2A 0
Support the CHEW Project
You can also donate to CHEW! Here are some examples of what your support can provide the CHEW Project's youth with:
- $7: Bus fare for two bus rides
- $50: a food hamper
- $60: a warm winter coat
- $80: a quality sleeping bag
- $100: shelter meals for one day
- $200: the CHEW Project's phone and internet costs
All donations are eligible for a charitable tax deduction receipt from the University of Alberta.
Ways to support CHEW's Youth:
Donate to CHEW!
The following items would also be helpful for our youth:
- Hygiene products: shampoo, conditioner, body wash, razors, deodorant shaving cream, toothbrushes, toothpaste, etc.
- Food
- Socks and underwear
- Used electronics: headphones, laptops, iPads, iPods/mp3s, phones, game consoles/games, etc)
- Blankets/bedding, cookware, microwaves, etc.
- Fun items like art supplies, skateboards, etc.
- Gift cards: specifically Superstore, Shoppers Drug Mart, and Dollarama
High priority items are bolded.
Contact CHEW
Edmonton: chewproject@boylestreet.org
Calgary: chewyyc@ualberta.ca
Call/text the Calgary location Monday to Friday from 10 AM - 6 PM: (403) 907-3223
