On July 30, International Friendship Day, we’re invited to reflect on the relationships that help us feel supported, connected, and seen. At Inn from the Cold, friendship takes on a unique and powerful meaning. It shows up not only between people, but between organizations that choose to walk alongside families during some of the most difficult moments of their lives.
These partnerships are, in many ways, the friendships that make our mission possible.
We are thankful for partners who help us extend care far beyond our walls. Prospect and Lifemark Centre for Work support families with employment, work readiness, and life‑skills training, with Lifemark also offering onsite resume‑writing support. Child and youth programming is strengthened through the Calgary Bridge Foundation for Youth, City of Calgary Recreation Programs, Calgary Central Public Library, Kids Up Front, and the Kindred Society, whose contributions help children learn, play, and build confidence.
We are also grateful for the Calgary Farmyard’s complimentary experiences for families and for WINS, whose referrals help families access essential resources. Our collaboration with the University of Calgary, Mount Royal University, HomeSpace and Siksika Support Centre Services further enriches our community connections and strengthens the supports available to families.
Counselling supports are provided by our onsite Mental Health Clinician, ensuring families have timely, trauma‑informed care. When culturally specific support is preferred, Indigenous families are referred to Miskanawah, and families can also receive information to self‑refer to CUPS for counselling services.
Food security is supported through our meal program, with staff available to help families connect with the Calgary Food Bank if additional support is needed. Language assistance from CCIS and LanguageLine helps families communicate clearly as they navigate new systems and opportunities.
A Shared Commitment
We are deeply grateful for partnerships that strengthen every part of our work. Together, we help families access health and wellness supports, affordable housing opportunities, cultural programming, child and youth development, and prevention services that keep families stably housed and connected to community.
Most importantly, these relationships reflect a shared commitment to walking alongside families with dignity, compassion, and care.
On International Friendship Day, we honour the friendships that make brighter futures possible. When organizations come together with a shared purpose, families are supported to grow, heal, and thrive.
That is the true power of friendship.
