CALGARY,
AB, May 1, 2024 /CNW/ - Inn from the Cold
today launches a vital campaign to support the more than 5,000
family members who turn to them annually with no place else to go.
While differing opinions often divide us, one fundamental truth
unites us all: every human being deserves access to housing. And
although no one person can eliminate the city's growing
homelessness crisis, many people doing their part can make a huge
difference.
That's the concept behind Inn from the Cold's May campaign, A
Village Can.
Heather Morley, CEO of Inn from
the Cold, has witnessed the increasing need of families
first-hand.
"Family homelessness is a serious issue in Calgary, with many families struggling to
secure stable housing or afford basic necessities," says
Morley.
"We've seen more and more families being pushed to the brink of
homelessness," she explains. "We've had a dramatic increase in
calls to our helpline and families with absolutely no place to
go."
In 2023, more than 1,500 families reached out to The Inn for
assistance, marking an 8% increase over the previous year. With the
continued rise in the cost of living, this number is expected to
climb.
A Village Can
From May 1 to June 9, the
organization aims to raise $1 million
to provide a safe space for families on the brink of homelessness.
Calgarians donating to The Inn will have their contributions
matched dollar for dollar, doubling the impact of every gift. The
matching donors are Calgarians who care deeply about ending family
homelessness: Gary Nissen and
Janeen Murphy, The Carrera
Foundation, Sean Collins, Wieland
and Sue Wettstein, Karen Rostad, Jo and
Alun Williams, anonymous donors.
"Together, we can provide much-needed support to those impacted
by the housing crisis," says Morley. "Because a village can end
family homelessness."
Funds raised go directly to supporting Calgary families experiencing the realities of
housing insecurity. To learn more, get involved, or donate, visit
AVillageCan.ca.
What funds will buy families facing
homelessness
$250: Provides 10 families
with daily bus passes
$400: Provides diapers and
wipes for 10 babies
$1,050: Provides a week of
shelter stay for a family in need
SOURCE Inn from the Cold