We’re proud to share some exciting news: Inn from the Cold has been named one of HRD Canada’s Best Places to Work 2026. This is our second year in a row receiving this recognition, and it means a great deal to us — not because of the award itself, but because of what it says about the people who make this place what it is.
For nearly three decades, Inn from the Cold has walked alongside families facing crisis, instability, and uncertainty. That work is deeply human, and it asks a lot of the people who show up every day with compassion, courage, and care. Being recognized again as a Best Place to Work reflects our ongoing commitment to building a workplace where those people feel supported, valued, and able to bring their full selves to the mission.
A Culture Rooted in Care
“At Inn from the Cold, our work is deeply human,” says Heather Morley, CEO. “Supporting families through crisis requires compassion, stability, and trust — and that begins with how we care for our staff. When our people feel safe, supported, and valued, they can bring their full selves to the work that matters most.”
Our six core values — compassion, accountability, respect, inclusion, courage, and innovation — aren’t just words on a wall. They guide how we work together, how we make decisions, and how we show up for families. They’re also made visible through awards like Values INN Action, Employee of the Year, and long‑service recognition. Celebrating each other is part of our culture, and we do it intentionally.
Benefits and Supports Designed for Frontline Realities
We know the emotional weight of frontline work is real, and our compensation and benefits reflect that understanding. As a living‑wage employer, we offer:
- RRSP matching so employees can save for retirement
- Access to personal or wellness days, in addition to paid and statutory leave
- Twice‑annual performance reviews focused on growth and development
- Market‑aligned compensation, including eligibility for a performance‑based bonus
- Competitive vacation entitlement that increases with tenure
- Learning as a core organizational commitment
Professional development is woven into our culture. Staff can access education reimbursement for approved courses, certifications, and role‑specific training. Mandatory equity, diversity, trauma‑informed, and reconciliation training ensures our practice remains inclusive and values‑aligned. Coaching, leadership development, and additional learning opportunities round out a robust approach to growth.
“Our approach to HR is grounded in wellbeing, equity, and flexibility,” says Marj Kyle, Senior Manager, Human Resources. “We intentionally design policies and practices that honour the realities of frontline work, promote psychological safety, and create opportunities for growth. Being recognized as a Best Place to Work affirms that our people‑centred approach is making a meaningful difference.”
Listening, Learning, and Evolving Together
We stay closely connected to staff experience through regular satisfaction surveys and open communication. This ongoing feedback loop helps us understand what’s working, where we can improve, and how we can continue strengthening our culture year after year. It’s one of the reasons this recognition feels especially meaningful — it reflects the voices of the people who make Inn from the Cold what it is.
Why This Matters
In our sector, burnout and turnover are constant risks. When staff feel supported, respected, and connected to purpose, the impact reaches far beyond our workplace. It shows up in the consistency of care families receive, in the stability of our programs, and in the strength of our mission.
Being named one of Canada’s Best Places to Work 2026 is a celebration of our people — their commitment, their resilience, and the values they live every day. It’s also a reminder that when we invest in our staff, we invest directly in the families we serve. Thank you to our team for making Inn from the Cold a place where people feel they belong, where their work matters, and where care is at the centre of everything we do.
To read more about this recognition, visit here.
