Too many homeless families forces Inn From the Cold to open its emergency shelter

An organization that provides shelter to homeless families in Calgary says it's over capacity and will have to open its emergency shelter.

Inn From the Cold averages 30 to 35 families each night in its main downtown shelter, but there will be up to 30 people sleeping on cots at its Knox United Church location on Tuesday night.

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"We've been very close to full since June, but this is sort of the first time that we've had to sort of trip that emergency alternative," said executive director Abe Brown.

"We find that the end of the month is always a tough time for families. People sometimes get evicted, also it is a time of transition. We've also had a significant number of indigenous families coming off reserve looking for opportunities in the city. So we think that a combination of all of those things is driving this."

Lack of affordable housing

Brown said the overflow also speaks to the lack of affordable housing in Calgary. His organization runs one affordable complex and will be opening a 10-unit complex in October.

"We need to continue, as a community, how we can keep adding capacity when it comes to affordable housing," said Brown.

"I think that some folks thought that when the economy cooled that would in some ways just make the homeless problem take care of itself. But for families, this city is still a magnet of opportunity, and often they're surprised when they see the financial realities of what it takes to survive in this city."

Long-term solutions

Brown said his organization strives to get families into permanent housing, referring them to services that can help "the moment they walk in the front door."

"We will essentially take care of them as long as they need it with the qualifier that we want to work with you to find a more long-term sustainable solution. We will never, ever see a family out on the street or under a bridge. It's just not what we'll ever allow happen," he said.

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"We also don't think that staying in a shelter is the best long-term solution for children, so we want to start that process right away."

Inn From the Cold is accepting donations and is particularly in need of towels and baby-related items, including size 5 and 6 diapers. A list of current and ongoing needs can be found on its website.

Financial donations can be made online, while goods can be dropped off at the main shelter at110 11th Ave. S.E.

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