Responding to Unprecedented Need
In 2024, we were reminded of the urgency of our work as over 1,800 families reached out for support. Behind every number is a story of resilience, hope, and the determination to build a better future. With the help of our supporters and partners, we’ve worked tirelessly to provide shelter, housing, and essential resources to meet this growing need.
Welcoming Emma House to Our Family
One of our most significant achievements this year was the integration of Emma House into our suite of programs. This safe, supportive transitional housing program for expectant mothers has strengthened our ability to provide specialized care for vulnerable women and their babies. Together with these supports, we ensure that every mother has the resources and stability to build a brighter future for her family.
Partnership with Siksika Nation
In September 2024, we celebrated the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Siksika Nation, marking a shared commitment to improving access to shelter and housing opportunities for Siksika Nation members. This partnership is a critical step in reconciliation and significantly reflects our dedication to supporting Indigenous families through collaboration and mutual respect.
Indigenous Culture Camp
We hosted our first-ever Indigenous Culture Camp for families, led by our Indigenous Engagement team. Held at Blackfoot Crossing, the camp gave families the opportunity to connect with their cultural roots, participate in traditional practices, and foster healing in a supportive and inclusive environment.
Family INNsights Survey
To better understand the long-term impact of our programs, we launched the Family INNsights survey. This tool provides invaluable data on how our services continue to support families as they move forward, helping us improve and innovate in our work.
Charity Intelligence Top 100
We are honoured to have been named to the Charity Intelligence Top 100 list in 2024. This recognition highlights our commitment to transparency, effectiveness, and maximizing the impact of every dollar entrusted to us.
2024 Village Can Campaign Success
Our Village Can Campaign was the most successful yet, raising an incredible $1.3 million. This campaign underscores the power of community and the generosity of our supporters in helping us meet the needs of families experiencing homelessness.
New Roles to Support Families
We introduced two critical new roles to enhance our services:
- Child & Youth Activity Coordinator: This role provides follow-up support for children and youth once they leave the shelter, helping them access recreational programming and opportunities to grow.
- Mental Health Clinician: This new role ensures that families receive the mental health support they need to heal and rebuild after the trauma of homelessness.
Because of these roles, we are able to provide comprehensive support to families at The Inn.
Living Wage Employer
In 2024, we became an official Living Wage Employer, reaffirming our commitment to our staff and their well-being. We believe in leading by example and ensuring that our employees are supported to thrive both at work and at home.
Accreditation Work Begins
Notably, in 2024, we began preparations for accreditation by the Canadian Accreditation Council for 2025. This journey reflects our commitment to excellence and ensuring our programs meet the highest standards of care.
Advocating for Safety in Downtown Calgary
Our CEO, Heather, participated in the Downtown Safety Leadership Table, working alongside other leaders to create actionable strategies for making Calgary’s core a safe and welcoming space for everyone.
Looking Ahead
As we celebrate these milestones, we remain steadfast in our mission. The progress we’ve made in 2024 wouldn’t have been possible without the support of our community, partners, and team. Together, we are building a future where no family faces homelessness alone.
Thank you for being part of our journey. Here’s to continuing this important work in 2025!
