The Mustard Seed

The Mustard Seed has been serving people experiencing poverty and home­lessness in Alberta since the 1980s. Based in Calgary, with locations in Edmonton, Red Deer, and Kamloops, BC, it helps to meet the basic needs of shelter, food, clothing, and acceptance for men and women experiencing poverty, and works with them to find sustainable housing, employment, or whatever they need. The Mustard Seed's holistic, multifaceted approach focusses on "building community, growing hope, and supporting change" and improving each person's physical, mental, and spiritual health. Recognizing that the root cause of poverty and homelessness are complex and diverse, The Mustard Seed's Employment Centre was established to challenge the stereotypes and stigmas of homelessness and assist individuals in making lasting change. Its fully mobile team of employment coaches provides support to those currently experiencing poverty and/or homelessness, working to diminish barriers to employment and facilitate job placement. In addition to providing support in finding work, The Mustard Seed provides vital ongoing support to both the employer and the employee during the transition into new work situations. It believes that all individuals, homeless or not, have strengths and skills to bring to the workplace.