March is National Social Work Month, a time to recognize the vital role social workers and support workers play in strengthening families and communities. At Inn from the Cold, this work is rooted in compassion, accountability and respect for families navigating housing instability.
One of the people doing this work every day is Novie, a Family Support Worker at The INN. Her connection to social work is deeply personal and shaped by her family’s journey of building a new life in Canada.
More than ten years ago, Novie and her family arrived in Canada and faced many barriers and uncertainties while adjusting to a new country. During that time, they were supported by compassionate social workers and community organizations who helped them navigate unfamiliar systems and find their footing.
“My connection to social work began when I realized how much of my own story had been shaped by it,” Novie says.
That experience left a lasting impact and continues to guide how she shows up for families today. Novie says empathy is one of the most essential skills in the profession, allowing social workers to truly listen and understand people’s experiences without judgment. Strong communication, collaboration and critical thinking are also key when navigating complex systems and working alongside colleagues to support families.
She says curiosity is another principle that guides her work.
“When we approach people and situations with genuine curiosity, it opens the door to deeper understanding,” she says. “It helps us move beyond assumptions and respond with greater humility, compassion and care.”
Novie also hopes more people understand the realities facing families experiencing housing instability. Rising housing costs, job loss, health challenges and systemic barriers can create difficult circumstances for families who are doing their best to move forward.
“Many people assume that families experiencing housing instability have done something wrong or made poor choices,” she says. “In reality, the families who come through our doors are navigating incredibly difficult circumstances.”
Despite these challenges, Novie says she is continually inspired by the resilience she sees every day.
“Despite uncertainty and stress, parents continue to show up for their children and work tirelessly toward stability,” she says. “Their housing situation does not define who they are.”
Working alongside families and colleagues at The INN has also reinforced the power of community and teamwork.
Like Novie, Christine, Vice President, Programs and Outcomes, chose social work because of her family’s lived experience and has spent more than three decades in the profession as a Registered Social Worker.
Christine says social workers provide steady support for families during uncertain times.
“It’s my belief that social workers offer stability, advocacy, and hope when families experiencing housing instability feel overwhelmed and uncertain. My profession serves as the glue that holds systems together and the essential cog that keeps support networks functioning, while providing consistent emotional support and reminding families that they are strong and not alone or defined by their circumstances.”
National Social Work Month is an opportunity to recognize professionals like Novie and Christine and the many others at Inn from the Cold who walk alongside families during challenging transitions. Christine offered a message of appreciation to social workers across the community.
“To the social workers at Inn from the Cold and across our Calgary community, please know your compassion, resilience, and dedication do not go unnoticed, even when times are tough. You show up every day, in rain, snow, and/or shine, for families in their most vulnerable moments, offering not just support, but hope and dignity and solutions. Your work changes lives in ways that may not always be visible, but its impact is lasting and the homeless-serving sector in Calgary is stronger because of you.”
