As we step into a new year, many of us take time to reflect on our goals and aspirations. For families experiencing poverty and homelessness, however, the start of the year often brings a renewed sense of uncertainty. The financial pressures of the holidays linger, and the cold winter months present unique challenges for those without stable housing.
January is Poverty Awareness Month, a time to shine a spotlight on the systemic challenges that perpetuate poverty and homelessness and a time to rally together as a community to create meaningful change.
The reality of family homelessness
Poverty is one of the primary drivers of family homelessness. For families living paycheck to paycheck, an unexpected expense, such as a car repair, a medical bill, or even rising utility costs, can all lead to eviction and housing insecurity. With this in mind, these families are often invisible, couch-surfing with friends or living in their vehicles to avoid the harsh conditions of winter.
The numbers tell a stark story. In Calgary, where housing costs continue to rise, too many families struggle to afford rent while meeting other basic needs like food and clothing. Especially for single-parent households, particularly those led by women, the risk of falling into homelessness is even greater.
Breaking the cycle of poverty
At Inn from the Cold, we believe that no family should have to choose between paying rent and putting food on the table. In order to break the cycle of poverty we must start with addressing its root causes:
- Affordable housing: Stable, affordable housing provides the foundation for families to rebuild their lives.
- Support services: Access to childcare, job training, and mental health resources empowers families to achieve long-term stability.
- Community involvement: It takes a community to tackle poverty. Partnerships, donations, and volunteer efforts make our work possible.
Your role in creating change
While the statistics are sobering, there is hope. Over the past year, Inn from the Cold has helped hundreds of families transition from emergency shelter to permanent housing, providing not just a roof over their heads but the tools to thrive. But the need continues to grow, and we can’t do it alone.
Here are a few ways you can make an impact this Poverty Awareness Month:
- Learn more: Educate yourself about the realities of poverty and homelessness in our community. Resources like Vibrant Communities Calgary and Homeless Hub are a great place to start in your learning journey.
- Advocate: Reach out to local leaders and policymakers to express your support for affordable housing initiatives.
- Donate: A contribution to Inn from the Cold helps provide critical resources to families in need.
- Volunteer: Your time and skills can make a world of difference to families navigating difficult times.
Hope for the year ahead
As we embrace the possibilities of a new year, let’s commit to building a community where every family has the opportunity to thrive. Together, we can create a Calgary where no child has to face homelessness and where every parent has renewed hope and can feel secure knowing their family has a safe place to call home.
This Poverty Awareness Month, let’s choose compassion, empathy and action. By working together, we can turn hope into tangible change for the families who need it most.
