Edmonton man creates an online directory for crisis support

Ian MacIsaac has been homeless two times in Edmonton — once during the pandemic and the second time just last year.

MacIsaac survived in part because he had a support system that helped him get back on his feet and find housing. But MacIsaac says not all people have the privileged position of having support hand it over to him.

“They don’t have that privilege of having someone or themselves be able to take the time, and you know, call dozens of numbers and ask those questions and learn how to. People don’t realize that you know it’s a process,” said MacIsaac.

This is the reason why he created a directory listing all support services yegsupport.com helps you quickly find who to call, where to go, and what to do next for crisis, withdrawal, treatment, housing, and even legal — all you have to do is click on a category, and it will provide services, hours, and travel time.

“The idea of this project wasn’t to provide a service. It was just able to visualize and push people in the direction as quickly as possible. So you can see that, maybe there’s a shelter a couple of blocks away,” said MacIsaac.

The website was just published two months ago, but that was after six months of hard work. MacIsaac already had attention from the city council and was hoping to partner with Edmonton in the future.

“There’s so much room for improvement, and I’m positive that the city knows a thing or two that they can assist in.”