About Us
Our vision is to build a community where no child or family is homeless. That’s why we offer a wide range of life-changing programs to help children and their families experiencing homelessness find housing and achieve long term independence.
In everything we do, we strive to be a leading example of compassion, courage, inclusivity, respect, accountability, and innovation.
Where Your Donations Go
Our doors are open 24 hours, 7 days a week—and it wouldn't be possible without our incredible community of donors. People just like you.
85%
of your donation directly supports our life-changing programs
15%
helps keep the organization running
As one of Canada’s top-rated charities (Charity Intelligence Canada), you can feel confident knowing we manage your financial contribution responsibly, ensuring you make an impact.
In 2018...
84
families were housed
54%
of our shelter guests were children
40,119
shelter bed stays were provided
1107
family members were served
For every $1 donated
nearly $5 of social and economic value is created for our community.
120,357
nutritious meals were served
Meet our Leadership Team
Heather Morley
Executive Director
I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to lead the team at Inn from the Cold. The focus of my career has always been on supporting families through crisis to stability. I hold an unwavering belief in the power of possibility, and I am committed to creating the conditions needed for every family who walks through the doors at Inn from the Cold to thrive.
Carol McQuade
Director, Finance and Operations
My parents were huge supporters of people in need and community. If they thought they could help someone they did. Growing up in that environment had a positive impact on me. As part of the Leadership Team at Inn from the Cold, I look forward to working together to end family homelessness. A tall task, but I strongly believe it’s do-able. That goal gets me up and heading to work every day!
Amanda St. Laurent
Director, Programs
My driving force is the people I work with. From the Inn staff that work hard to ensure that the families we serve are treated with compassion and care every day, to the families we serve who demonstrate so much courage and strength in the face of adversity—they all inspire me daily and I am fortunate to have the opportunity to be a part of this team.
Jose Guillen
Director, External Relations
I consider it a privilege to work at Inn from the Cold, contributing to ending child and family homelessness and to help our guests and clients thrive in the community. Together with a team of talented individuals, I am committed to increasing the financial resources that are essential to delivering programs and services, to increase awareness surrounding the realities of homelessness and to support the numerous volunteers who generously donate their time and talent.
Raymond Bwititi
Senior Manager, Housing
I wake up and come to work every day because I want to make a difference. I want to contribute to change in my life and other peoples’ lives. My favourite part of my job is seeing children’s faces light up when they see their new home, and in that I feel it’s my duty or mission to make things better for the kids and families we serve.
Hilary Jenkins
Senior Manager, Stakeholder Relations
I come to work at the Inn each day knowing that what we do is essential to a healthy community. My team works tirelessly to change community perceptions of homelessness so that, regardless of their housing situation, children and families can thrive. I believe that we all must play a part in creating a better community, and ultimately a better world. I’m inspired by all of the people who dedicate their time and talents to our organization.
Valerie Tkacik
Senior Manager, Shelter
I have always had a strong desire to work in areas that provide service to others. The majority of my work and volunteer experiences have been working with women and families who are impacted with a crisis at times in their lives and having the privilege to witness their growth and moving on to a place of thriving. It is awesome to see the strength in others and I see this at Inn from the Cold with the guests and staff.
Board of Directors
Hsiu-Yan Chan
Chair
Munaf Mohamed
Vice-Chair
Bruce Alger
Past-Chair
Leela Domingo
Treasurer
Genevieve Groulx
Secretary
Cynthia Bird
Director
Gary Clarke
Director
Ian Anderson
Director
Jason Ennis
Director
Max Chan
Director
Neil Smith
Director
“Somehow saying “thank you” doesn’t seem like enough. But we hope you know how much your kindness has meant to us. You came into the picture when hope was lost and you rekindled the light. For this we say thank you in our own humble way...for all the support, integration and resettlement into the great nation of Canada.”
– Letter from a family in Journey House 2
We are here to help!
If your family needs safe shelter or affordable housing, please get in touch with us today! We are here to help your family achieve self-sufficiency to build a bright future.
