A History of Hope: The Journey of Inn From The Cold in Newmarket - Councillor Kelly Broome
Inn From The Cold (IFTC) has been a cornerstone of community support for individuals experiencing homelessness in Newmarket, Ontario. Over the years, this organization has continuously expanded its services, providing safe shelter, warm meals, and a helping hand to those in need. From its humble beginnings in 2004 to its current plans for a new, state-of-the-art shelter facility, IFTC’s journey is a testament to the power of community action and unwavering dedication to social change.
In this blog post, we’ll walk you through the key milestones of IFTC’s history, highlighting its remarkable growth, key achievements, and ongoing efforts to support those in need. As we look ahead to the opening of a new facility in 2025, we invite you to join us in making a difference by participating in the Coldest Night of the Year Walk this February. Together, we can continue to build a more compassionate, supportive community for everyone.
Read on to learn more about how IFTC has made an impact, and find out how you can help in the fight against homelessness.
Timeline of Key Milestones for Inn From The Cold, Newmarket, Ontario
2004: A warming centre was established at the Old Town Hall in response to extreme cold temperatures, marking the inception of Inn From The Cold.
2005: The shelter moved to Newmarket Community Church, operating seasonally to provide warmth and shelter.
2006: Relocation to Trinity United Church’s basement enhanced accessibility to transit and community meals.
2010: A permanent facility at 510 Penrose Street was established, offering expanded services, including a weekly community meal.
2021: The Town of Newmarket donated a portion of land on Yonge Street for a new facility.
2022: The "All Inn!" capital campaign launched with an initial goal of $2.5 million, supported by a series of community fundraising events.
2023:
July: The campaign exceeded its $2.5 million goal, raising the target to $3 million to support construction.
November: Over $7.5 million in funding was secured from the federal government and York Region for the new facility, which will offer 44 beds for transitional and emergency housing.
2024:
October: The Town of Newmarket provided temporary space at the old Operations Centre on Timothy Street, ensuring continued service delivery during the winter season.
Looking Forward – 2025 and Beyond
The new, three-storey facility on Yonge Street is set to transform the support provided to vulnerable individuals in the community. It represents a significant step toward addressing homelessness in Newmarket and York Region.
Join the Coldest Night of the Year Walk
Support Inn From The Cold's mission by joining the Coldest Night of the Year Walk in Newmarket this February. Walk alongside your neighbors to raise funds and awareness for individuals experiencing homelessness. Together, we can ensure a brighter, warmer future for everyone in our community.
Visit CNOY.org to register or donate today!