Inn from the Cold
Our long-term partnership with Inn from the Cold has helped the Inn support hundreds of vulnerable families facing homelessness to find hope and gain stability.
Families are the heartbeat of our communities. That’s why, in 2022, Vermilion partnered with the Calgary-based Inn, a non-profit organization that has been providing resources to prevent homelessness and offering shelter to local families for more than 25 years.
Vermilion signed a seven-year funding partnership with The Inn focusing on Project Thrive, a joint capital campaign between the Inn and HomeSpace, aimed at providing innovative housing solutions.
Through our Ways of Caring community investment program, Vermilion contributed $1.4 million – representing the largest private donation to the Thrive Campaign.
Homelessness remains a significant issue in Calgary, with 1 in 10 people living below the poverty line. Close to 200 families do not have a home to return to at night. Our contribution to Project Thrive helped to transform a vacant office building into a residential space for vulnerable families. The new residential building – Neoma – is a combination of emergency, transitional and affordable housing as well as space for programing. The Inn recognized our commitment to the project, by naming the floor the "Vermilion Energy Family Floor." Each year, roughly 40 families – about 200 individuals in total, half of whom are children – find refuge on the Vermilion Energy Family Floor.
The Inn is Alberta’s only family shelter. They support families in their darkest hours through three core programs:
- homelessness prevention
- emergency shelter
- supportive housing
In 2023/24 alone, The Inn supported 1,371 families – representing 4,662 members, 2,607 of which were children.
In addition to financial contributions, Vermilion takes a hands-on approach to supporting local families. Through our Ways of Caring program, we create year-round opportunities that empower and encourage our staff to volunteer their time in our communities. Some initiatives we’ve participated in with The Inn include:
- Preparing meals
- Purchasing essential items for families moving into the transitional shelter
- Organizing donations
- Providing school supplies and backpacks
- Contributing gifts and toys during the holiday season
"Ending family homelessness is something that no one can do alone. That’s why we’re so proud to partner with the Inn from the Cold, to support their efforts to help vulnerable families find stability. Our employees appreciate the opportunity to contribute as well – whether it’s painting or preparing meals, they’re always ready to pitch in.”
- Dion Hatcher, President & CEO, Vermilion Energy Inc.
We’re proud of our partnership with Inn from the Cold and the meaningful impact we’ve made together in supporting local families in need. As we move forward, we’re excited to continue working alongside The Inn to create lasting, positive change in our communities.