Inn from the Cold

Housing & Poverty📍 Calgary, AB

Supporting homeless families in Calgary with emergency shelter and housing programs.

About Our Mission

To provide emergency shelter and support services to homeless families with children, helping them transition to stable, permanent housing.

Our Impact

Annual Impact
Housed 500+ families annually
Total Impact
Over 35 years serving homeless families
Programs
15+ family support and housing programs

Our Programs

  • Emergency family shelter services
  • Transitional housing programs
  • Permanent supportive housing
  • Children and youth programs
  • Employment and life skills training
  • Family case management

Volunteer Requirements

Minimum Age

18+ for most roles, 21+ for overnight shifts

Time Commitment

6 months minimum, 4-6 hours per week

Training

Family homelessness and trauma-informed care training, 16-20 hours

Police Check

Required with vulnerable sector screening; organization covers cost

ID Requirements

2 pieces of government photo ID, child welfare screening

Family Volunteering

Welcome for family events and activities; supervised roles only

Application Process

Application → interview → reference check → training → supervised shifts

Application Volume

Steady demand — monthly orientation sessions

Volunteer Opportunities

Family Support Volunteer

Provide direct support to families staying in emergency shelter.

Schedule

Daily shifts: 7:00 AM - 3:00 PM, 3:00 PM - 11:00 PM, 11:00 PM - 7:00 AM

Time Commitment

Minimum 4 hours per week

Qualifications Required

Experience with families and children, crisis intervention skills, cultural sensitivity

What You'll Do

  • Family check-ins
  • Resource referrals
  • Crisis support
  • Activity coordination
Donate Now

Children's Program Assistant

Support educational and recreational programs for children in shelter.

Schedule

Monday-Friday, 3:30 PM - 7:00 PM; Weekends, 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Time Commitment

Minimum 4 hours per week

Qualifications Required

Experience working with children, trauma-informed approach, creativity

What You'll Do

  • Homework help
  • Educational activities
  • Arts and crafts
  • Recreational programs
Donate Now

Housing Navigator

Help families search for and secure permanent housing.

Schedule

Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Time Commitment

Minimum 6 hours per week

Qualifications Required

Knowledge of housing market, case management experience, advocacy skills

What You'll Do

  • Housing searches
  • Landlord contact
  • Application assistance
  • Move-in support
Donate Now

Life Skills Facilitator

Lead workshops on budgeting, parenting, job skills, and other life skills.

Schedule

Weekdays and some evenings, 2-3 hour sessions

Time Commitment

Minimum 6 hours per month

Qualifications Required

Teaching or facilitation experience, expertise in specific skill areas

What You'll Do

  • Workshop planning
  • Skill instruction
  • Group facilitation
  • Resource development
Donate Now

Meal Program Volunteer

Help prepare and serve meals for families in shelter.

Schedule

Daily meal times: 7:00 AM - 9:00 AM, 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM, 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Time Commitment

Minimum 3 hours per week

Qualifications Required

Food safety training provided, ability to work in team environment

What You'll Do

  • Meal preparation
  • Food service
  • Kitchen cleanup
  • Dietary accommodation
Donate Now

Contact Information

Phone
(403) 263-8384
Location
Calgary, AB

Current Donation Needs

  • Children's clothing and shoes
  • Baby supplies and formula
  • School supplies and backpacks
  • Household items for new housing
  • Gift cards for groceries and clothing