Every night of the week, we provide Calgary's homeless families and others in need with overnight shelter. Priority is given to families and women. Over 3,800 volunteers from over 84 inter-denominational churches, synagogues and community associations provide Inns on a rotating basis. On any given night, between 30 - 60 homeless children, women and men enjoy a hot supper, a warm bed and a safe place to sleep, as well as hot breakfast and a bagged lunch the next day.
Here is how a typical Inn night works:
Registration takes place between 4:00 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. every evening at our downtown office at Suite 106, 110-11 Ave S.E..
Families are our priority guests, followed by single women and then men. Guests are screened for drug or alcohol use. Those who are known to be unduly disruptive or suffering from severe mental illness are referred to other agencies.
Guests are transported to one of the host Inns for the night where they receive a hot, nutritious supper and a bed for the evening.
Every Inn is operated by a team of compassionate volunteers who treat our guests with dignity and respect. They set up the beds, cook meals, visit with guests and supervise overnight. Many Inns include social activities in the evening such as movies, games and a chance to visit.
In the morning, guests have breakfast and receive a brown bag lunch before they are picked up by the Inn bus and driven back downtown.
Many of our guests go to work, attend school or participate in programming during the day. School-age children attend school.
