This Mother’s Day, as we celebrate the strength, love, and dedication of mothers everywhere, we want to shine a light on a group of women whose resilience often goes unnoticed — single mothers facing homelessness.
At Inn from the Cold, single mothers make up nearly 50% of the families we support. Each of these mothers carries the weight of providing for their children under unimaginable circumstances, navigating challenges that are compounded by systemic inequities and the complexities of modern life. Their journeys are testaments to the power of hope, courage, and determination.
The intersectional challenges of single motherhood and homelessness
For single mothers experiencing homelessness, the barriers are not just financial but deeply interconnected factors, shaped by gender, race, and societal expectations. Here are some of the key challenges they may face:
- Poverty and housing insecurity: Single mothers often bear the financial burden of raising children alone, making them more vulnerable to income instability and the rising costs of housing.
- Domestic violence: Many women experiencing homelessness are fleeing domestic violence, forced to leave their homes to protect themselves and their children.
- Systemic inequities: Indigenous women, racialized women, and newcomers disproportionately experience homelessness due to systemic barriers, discrimination, and limited access to resources.
- Childcare gaps: Limited access to affordable childcare often prevents single mothers from securing stable employment or pursuing education.
- Mental health challenges: The stress of homelessness, combined with the pressure of caring for children, can take a significant toll on mental health, leading to anxiety, depression, and burnout.
These challenges highlight the intersectionality of single mothers’ experiences, where multiple layers of disadvantage compound to create significant barriers.
Here’s how Inn from the Cold supports single mothers
At Inn from the Cold, we understand the unique struggles faced by single mothers and are committed to providing the tailored support they need to overcome these challenges. Our programs and services include:
- Emergency shelter: A safe, family-focused space where mothers and their children can stay together during times of crisis.
- Affordable housing support: Helping families secure stable, long-term housing that provides a foundation for rebuilding their lives.
- Emma House: A supportive transitional housing program specifically designed for expectant mothers experiencing or at risk of homelessness. Emma House provides stability, life-skills training, and access to resources during this critical time, empowering young mothers to build sustainable futures for themselves and their babies.
- Wraparound services: Access to mental health counselling, employment resources, life-skills training, and child support to empower single mothers to achieve independence.
- Culturally informed care: Recognizing the unique needs of Indigenous and racialized mothers, we provide culturally safe supports that honour their identities and traditions.
Through these programs, we aim to not only address immediate needs but also empower single mothers with the tools and resources to achieve long-term stability and success.
Celebrating resilience this Mother’s Day
This Mother’s Day, we honour the resilience of single mothers facing homelessness. These women are often the unsung heroes of their families, navigating immense challenges to provide love, stability, and hope for their children.
Their strength reminds us of the importance of community and the role we all play in supporting one another. At Inn from the Cold, we see firsthand how the power of connection and compassion can change lives — and it’s something we can all be part of.
How you can make a difference
You can help us provide critical support for single mothers and their children this Mother’s Day. Here’s how:
- Donate: Support our “A Village Can” campaign. Your contributions help fund our family shelter, housing programs, and essential resources for families at The Inn.
- Volunteer: Lend your time and skills to support single mothers and their children through our programs.
- Advocate: Raise awareness about the intersectional challenges faced by single mothers experiencing homelessness and call for systemic change.
This Mother’s Day, let’s celebrate the resilience of single mothers by taking action to support them. Together, we can help ensure that every mother has the opportunity to build a brighter future for her family.
