Mustard Seed Logo -- Image from Presentation to Council

By Connor Gunn

Mustard Seed details plans for Lethbridge shelters, but can’t discuss locations

Dec 7, 2020 | 4:11 PM

LETHBRIDGE, AB– At Monday’s Community Issues Committee meeting, the Mustard Seed presented to council their possible plans for supportive shelters.

It’s still in the early stages for a proposed Mustard Seed Supportive Housing space and Drop-in shelter to support the homeless population and people with addictions.

According to a letter sent to residents on the east side of the Ramada Hotel on Mayor Magrath Drive, the group is looking to put the supportive housing complex in the current Ramada, but a Mustard Seed representative told LNN that he “can’t comment on the location.”

A copy of the letter was sent to LNN.

Previous Story: Mustard Seed looks to rezone Lethbridge’s Ramada for supportive housing

What's Happening in Lethbridge this week: November 12-17, 2024

Nov 12, 2024

What's Happening in Lethbridge this week: November 4-10, 2024

Nov 04, 2024

What's Happening in Lethbridge this week: October 28-November 3, 2024

Oct 28, 2024

According to the presentation, the Supportive Housing building will have:

• A significant investment in the community by providing affordable housing through the Rapid Housing Initiative with the Federal Government

• Sober and secure living environment

• 24/7 onsite support ensuring safety and security on the property

• Onsite Advocacy, Employment and Counselling Services for residents and community at large

• Sustainable members in the community

As for the Sober Shelter, it will offer 24/7 drop-in access as well as:

• Safe and supportive environment

• No loitering policy on property

• Three meals per day

• On-site staff and volunteer support

• Working hard to secure a location for a short-term winter shelter that will be operational until March 31, 2021

• Making a significant investment by procuring a long-term location

With some community backlash coming to the Mustard Seed about their initiative, Managing Director for Central Alberta, Byron Bradley, knows the organization has to earn the public’s respect.

“We’ve heard about some negativity and some hard questions and some backlash in the community, and as I said in council chambers we have to earn the respect of members of the community. Respect is not given, respect is earned. We want to be very transparent and have a multi-faceted community engagement process.”

As for the engagement process so far, that is yet to be determined.

Highlighted in the presentation, the Mustard Seed’s 2019 impact stretched farther than giving people a place to stay.

• 115,000 Volunteer Hours

• 60,600 Health & Wellness Services

• 485 Clients employed

• 1350 Spiritual Care events

• 503,000 meals

• 325 Affordable Housing units

• 486 Emergency Shelter mats

City Council received this presentation today (Dec 7), and will be talked about at a later date.