Wednesday, October 2, 2024
We are thrilled to announce that Emma House, a vital service supporting expectant mothers facing homelessness, has officially joined Inn from the Cold as of October 1, 2024. This milestone marks a significant step forward in our shared mission to provide compassionate, comprehensive care for families experiencing housing crises in Calgary.
A Legacy of Compassion and Care
For over 25 years, Emma House has provided a safe haven for more than 200 expectant mothers, offering them the shelter, care, and resources they need during one of the most vulnerable times in their lives. By integrating Emma House into Inn from the Cold’s family-focused programming, we are ensuring that this legacy continues with even greater stability and impact. This union enables us to streamline our services, maximize resources, and expand our capacity to help more families in need.
Heather Morley, CEO of Inn from the Cold, emphasized the power of this collaboration:
“We are excited to welcome Emma House into our family. This integration brings together the strengths of both organizations and is a powerful example of how collaboration and resource sharing can improve our ability to support vulnerable families. Together, we will work to ensure that expectant mothers and their babies receive the care, stability, and opportunities they need to build bright futures.”
What This Integration Means
Emma House will continue as a specialized program under the Inn from the Cold umbrella, retaining its name and focus on supporting expectant mothers and their babies. The experienced Emma House staff will join Inn from the Cold, ensuring a seamless transition and no disruption in services for the families who rely on this critical support.
The integration also means enhanced support through the combined resources of both organizations. Expectant mothers will now have access to additional programs and services provided by Inn from the Cold, empowering them to move from crisis to stability.
Kerri Beuk, Board Chair from Emma House, shared her excitement for this new chapter:
“This union allows us to provide compassionate care to the mothers and babies who need it most. We are proud to join Inn from the Cold to continue our mission of helping expectant mothers and their babies transition from vulnerability to strength.”
Key Highlights of the Integration:
- Seamless Transition: Emma House’s staff will join Inn from the Cold, ensuring continuity of care for all residents. The program will maintain its name and specialized focus.
- Enhanced Support for Vulnerable Families: This integration strengthens our ability to provide expectant mothers and their babies with the care they need, backed by the full range of services Inn from the Cold offers.
- A Unified Approach: Together, we are better equipped to meet the complex needs of families facing homelessness, offering trauma-informed care, housing support, and life skills programming.
A Safe and Supportive Space
Emma House, founded over 25 years ago by local police officers and community members, has been Calgary’s first and only shelter dedicated to expectant mothers. It offers private accommodations, trauma-informed care, and a wide range of programming that equips mothers with essential life skills. Families can stay for up to two years after the birth of their child, ensuring they have the time and resources to rebuild their lives and transition into stable community living.
With this integration, Emma House’s legacy will continue to flourish, bolstered by the added resources and leadership of Inn from the Cold. The goal remains the same: to provide a nurturing, supportive environment where mothers and their babies can thrive. Learn more about Emma House as part of The Inn’s Supportive House programs here.
How You Can Continue to Support Us
Your support has been instrumental in Emma House’s success, and we are incredibly grateful for your continued generosity as we move forward in this new chapter. As Emma House becomes part of Inn from the Cold, your donations will continue to significantly impact us, allowing us to reach more expectant mothers and provide enhanced services to our families. Donate here to continue the legacy.
Follow Our Journey
We invite you to follow the ongoing journey of Emma House through Inn from the Cold’s newsletter and Social Media. Stay informed about our progress, the incredible impact your support makes, and upcoming opportunities to get involved. Newsletter Sign-up. Facebook. Instagram. LinkedIn.
Looking Ahead
The integration of Emma House into Inn from the Cold is a powerful step forward for our community. Together, we will continue to build on the foundation of care, compassion, and community that has defined both organizations. We look forward to keeping you updated on the progress of this exciting journey and the continued impact your support has on the lives of families in need.
Thank you for standing with us as we embark on this new chapter. Together, we are creating brighter futures for Calgary’s most vulnerable families.
FAQs about the Emma House and Inn from the Cold Integration
What will happen to the Emma House program?
Emma House will continue to operate as a program within Inn from the Cold, maintaining its name and focus on providing safe housing and support for expectant mothers. The same compassionate care that has been the hallmark of Emma House will continue, now supported by the additional resources and services offered by Inn from the Cold.
Will there be any changes to the services Emma House provides?
No, the core services provided by Emma House will remain the same, including safe housing, trauma-informed care, and life skills programming. However, families will now have access to the broader range of services offered by Inn from the Cold, allowing for more comprehensive support.
How will this integration benefit expectant mothers and their babies?
By combining resources, this integration allows us to enhance the support available to expectant mothers and their babies. With access to more comprehensive services, including family shelter, supportive housing, and additional life skills programming, we can better meet the complex needs of families facing homelessness.
Will the Emma House staff remain the same?
Yes, the dedicated staff of Emma House will join the Inn from the Cold team, ensuring a seamless transition and no disruption to services. Families will continue to receive care from the trusted team they know, with additional support from the Inn’s wider team.
How Does This Impact Emma House Donors?
Emma House donors are warmly invited to continue supporting the legacy of Emma House as a program of Inn from the Cold. Your contributions will still directly impact expectant mothers and their babies. Donations will now be processed through Inn from the Cold, ensuring that the vital work of Emma House continues. If you want to continue supporting expectant mothers, you can donate here. For partnership opportunities or to discuss your ongoing support, please contact Jennifer English, Director of Philanthropy and Campaigns, at jennifer@innfromthecold.org.
Will there be any changes to how expectant mothers can access Emma House services?
No changes will be made to the intake process. Expectant mothers needing support can still contact the Emma House team directly. If you are an expectant mother or a mother with a newborn seeking assistance, please call or text us at 403.870.5231.
How Does This Impact Emma House Volunteers?
We invite all current Emma House volunteers to continue their incredible work as part of Inn from the Cold. Your commitment to supporting expectant mothers and their babies is invaluable, and we encourage you to stay involved as we expand our services through this integration.
If you’re interested in continuing your volunteer work or exploring new opportunities, please contact our volunteer team at volunteer@innfromthecold.org. We look forward to having you as part of our team as we work together to support vulnerable families.
How can I stay updated on the progress of this integration?
We invite you to follow the ongoing journey of Emma House through Inn from the Cold’s newsletter and Social Media. Stay informed about our progress, the incredible impact your support makes, and upcoming opportunities to get involved. Newsletter Sign-up. Facebook. Instagram. LinkedIn.
Who should I contact if I have questions about this integration?
If you have any questions or need more information about this integration, please contact our team at emmahouse@innfromthecold.org
