The Community, Health, Empowerment & Wellness (CHEW) Project is a community-based initiative located on Treaty 6 territory. 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. CHEW is run in partnership with YESS and Boyle Street Community Services.
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.
Hours:
Monday to Friday: 12 PM - 5 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.
Support the CHEW Project
We'd love to have some extra help at CHEW, if you're interested in volunteering, please email chewproj@ualberta.ca
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.
Products that CHEW's Youth Need
You can support CHEW's youth by donating the following items:
- 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.
