For many people, summer is a season of family vacations, backyard barbecues and long days spent enjoying time together. But for families already struggling to make ends meet, summer can bring added financial pressure and difficult choices.
While children may look forward to the end of the school year, many parents face a different reality. When school lets out, household costs often rise. Grocery bills increase as children eat more meals at home. Childcare expenses can become a significant burden for working parents. Summer camps, recreation programs and activities that many families take for granted may be financially out of reach.
At the same time, families continue to face the rising cost of housing, utilities, transportation and everyday necessities. For those already living paycheque to paycheque, the additional expenses that come with summer can push an already strained budget even further.
The reality is that families are not experiencing housing instability because of the season. They are experiencing it because housing has become increasingly difficult to afford.
This year, 1,335 families reached out to our 24/7 helpline for support. Among those who completed a Triage and Housing Solutions assessment, 65 per cent were seeking help because they could not afford rent, were living in temporary accommodations or were facing eviction. Nearly 39 per cent of inquiries came from households unable to afford rent, while 16 per cent were staying temporarily with friends or family while trying to find stable housing.
For many families, housing instability does not look like sleeping outdoors. It can mean moving frequently between temporary accommodations, staying with relatives because rent is unaffordable, living in overcrowded conditions or facing the constant threat of eviction. It often means making impossible choices between paying rent, buying groceries or covering childcare costs.
Summer can make those choices even harder.
Many families are also beginning to think ahead to September. Back-to-school expenses such as supplies, clothing and transportation are already on the horizon. For households struggling to keep up with today’s bills, preparing for the next season can feel overwhelming.
Research shows that families are one of the fastest-growing groups experiencing housing instability in Canada. Finding housing that is both affordable and large enough for a family remains a significant challenge. At minimum, one in five households in Calgary cannot afford where they currently live, according to The City of Calgary’s Housing Strategy Progress Update (2024).
When we think about summer, it is important to recognize that not every family experiences the season in the same way. While many are planning vacations and activities, others are working tirelessly to keep a roof over their heads and create stability for their children.
Every child deserves a safe place to come home to. Every parent deserves the stability that comes with affordable housing. And every family deserves the opportunity to thrive, regardless of the season.
For almost 30 years, Inn from the Cold has supported families through some of the most challenging times of their lives. As Alberta’s largest family shelter serving families experiencing housing instability, we know that housing instability is not a seasonal issue. It is a housing affordability issue — and one that requires year-round solutions.
