On the fourth Sunday of every month, the SCA hosts an Inn From the Cold overnight shelter for homeless individuals and families.  Contact our Volunteer Inn Coordinator Paula Munoz at strathconainn@hotmail.com or 403-541-1818 for more information or to volunteer at an upcoming Inn.

Upcoming Inns:

Sunday, February 26

Sunday, March 25

Sunday, April 22

Sunday, May 27

Volunteer Positions

Inn Coordinator: The Inn Coordinator acts as the lead volunteer for their Inn location and liaises with the Inn from the Cold office to relay information to volunteers. Duties include recruitment, training and supervision of volunteers, attending two coordinator’s meetings per year, providing feedback about the Inn program to the Volunteer Coordinator and keeping accurate records of volunteer hours and information. Hours: 10-15 hours per month.

Set Up Crew: The set up crew is responsible for initiating the process that prepares for guests at the Inns. Duties include assembling the cots, mattresses and dinner tables, setting the dinner tables, stocking the donation area and bathrooms with necessities if applicable, removing potential hazards in the sleeping/eating area and other duties as required. Hours: 4-5pm.

Dinner Team: The dinner team is responsible for planning, shopping, preparing and serving a hot, healthy and nutritious meal for 15 guests and volunteers at the Inn. Duties include creating a simple menu, purchasing the food, and cooking the food. Volunteers should be aware of food safety requirements and health and safety standards. Hours: 5-7pm.

Dinner Helpers: The Dinner Helpers are responsible to assist the Dinner team in preparing a meal for the Inn guests. Duties include helping to prepare dinner, serving the food, and cleaning up the dishes and kitchen area afterwards. Hours: 5-8pm.

Hospitality: The hospitality volunteers are responsible for making the guests feel comfortable in the Inn. Duties include greeting the guests when they first arrive, engaging in light, non-judgmental conversation with the guests, assisting with donations if available and other duties as each Inn
requires. Hours: 6-9pm.

Overnighters: The Overnight Supervisors perform the most crucial role in the Inn program. One male and one female volunteer are required to stay up overnight with our guests. Duties include performing routine spot checks in the evening, assisting guests with children who wake during the night and providing support for guests. At some Inns, duties may include laundry or preparing lunches. Hours: 900pm-530am or 9pm-1am and 1am-530am.

Breakfast Team: Breakfast cooks provide a hot or cold breakfast for our guests in the morning. Duties include preparing and serving breakfast, waking up the guests, handing out the lunches and cleaning up the kitchen afterwards. Hours: 5-7am.

Strike/Clean Up Crew: Strike Crew volunteers are responsible for ensuring that the Inn facilities are left in a clean and respectable manner. Duties include cleaning the Inn facilities after the guests have left, disassembling cots, disinfecting mattresses and pillows, and making sure that all equipment is stored safely and properly. Hours: 7-8am.

Littlest Things Wishlist

For homeless families, the littlest things can become big obstacles to achieving long-term success in housing. Many of the day-to-day necessities are beyond reach for families who are struggling to keep a roof over their heads and food on the table. The Calgary community can help by donating new items from the wish list below, or by making a financial donation to Inn from the Cold.

Seasonal Needs

Lip Balm

Hot shots (boot and mitt warmers)

Winter boots/coats/mitts/scarves/hats

Baby Care

Sleepers/socks & slippers

Diapers (more larger sizes are needed)

Baby wipes/diaper cream/baby wash/lotion/ Q-tips

Pacifiers/teething ring/gripe water

Formula/bottles

Essentials

Gift certificates for grocery and department stores so families can buy much-needed supplies

Passes for our Weekend Family Program including local attractions, McDonald’s, swimming pools, movies etc.

Transit tickets/ phone cards

New undergarments for men, women and children

Tampons/sanitary napkins

Dental floss/deodorant/lice shampoo/nail clippers

Household Items

Laundry detergent/dryer sheets/fabric softener

Brooms/dustpans

Potholders, tea towels and dish clothes

Paper towels, tissue and toilet paper

Handsoap/shampoo/dish soap

Foil, wrap, plastic storage containers for foodG