In the bitterly cold winter of 1996/1997, a small group of people from several local churches met to discuss ways to help homeless Calgarians who needed a warm, safe place to stay. It’s been 15 years, and Inn from the Cold continues to provide hope and help to homeless families and others in need.

In 2011, we sheltered 219 families and 369 children. Through our network of community partners and local agencies, we were able to retain housing for 133 families. And that’s just the beginning. For as little as $10 a month, you can join other caring Calgarians who want to help us help others in need in our community.

The race to end homelessness is underway, as Inn from the Cold will once again serve as an official charity for the 2012 Scotiabank Calgary Marathon. Whether you run the full or half marathon, the 10 or 5K, make your race more meaningful by donning your ‘I Am INN’ t-shirt and collecting pledges for Calgary’s homeless families and others in need.

Sunterra Market is INN to helping feed our families. Visit Sunterra Market and help feed homeless families staying at our Emergency Family Shelter. Donate your Sunterra Fresh Rewards points, pick up a pre-packaged donation bag filled with needed items, or drop off a non-perishable food donation at the Inn bin. All donations will help stock our busy Inn kitchen with supplies.

Even the little things – such as making supper or doing homework – can be the biggest challenge for homeless families. It’s time for a change, and we need your help. Donate, volunteer, host an event or help spread the word. Think of the littlest thing you can do to be part of an extraordinary grassroots movement that will make our community a better place. Get INN today!