The Mustard Seed now open 24/7 as demand for services increases

“The province recently talked about addressing the need for safe daytime spaces for people, but we weren’t sure if Red Deer would be included. This is part of that announcement,” says Giesbrecht. “We used to be open Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m upstairs, and now we’re open Sunday to Saturday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. During that time, guests can be in our dining hall.”

Giesbrecht says the change is already having a positive impact.

“One of the biggest benefits is greater access to our diversion specialist and our advocate. When we weren’t open during the daytime, they weren’t always able to access those services, including filing an AISH application, creating a resume, or working on housing goals,” she says. “Now that guests are in here 24/7, we’ve seen a huge increase in demand for them, and those are the ways we’re actively working to eliminate homelessness.”

The change has also meant adding two staff members, she shares.

Giesbrecht says this is a win on many levels for the overall community.

“One of the biggest wins I see is that we’re creating a safe and sober space for people to be during the day. There are people here waiting for a spot in detox, or for a job interview, and now they can stay warm while doing so,” she says.

“As for overnights, we’ve added additional mats, but sometimes we do have to turn people away because we reach capacity, which is 35 spots for men and 10 for women. When we do turn people away, we have such a great relationship with Safe Harbour that we’ll send people there by cab when it’s so cold out like it is now.”

The Mustard Seed also has a strict ‘dry’ rule for its overnight stays, meaning users must be sober and not active in their addiction.

Meantime, meal service remains the same, with overnight stays receiving a hot breakfast, bagged lunch and the opportunity to come for an exclusive dinner on Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday nights.

The entire community, meanwhile, is welcome for a meal every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, meaning dinner is technically available for shelter guests every day of the week.

Giesbrecht notes that if you drive by and see people outside, it’s likely they’re there for a smoke break or to get fresh air.

Funding for the expanded hours will last at least through early 2024.

The funding announcement came Oct. 1 via former Premier Jason Kenney, who said the province would spend $4.5 million in 2022-23 to expand shelters to 24/7, with $9 million allotted for 2023-24.

All the while, the wait continues for something permanent in Red Deer.

“This all highlights the need for a permanent shelter as we’ve seen an increase in the number of guests accessing our services across the board,” Giesbrecht concludes. “That space will serve our growing needs, as well as Safe Harbour’s.”

MORE

Second site proposed for future permanent shelter in Red Deer

The Mustard Seed preparing for 12 Days of Giving campaign

Safe Harbour looking to fill 200 Christmas gift bags for shelter users

by Josh Hall (Twitter: @Vancan19)

The Mustard Seed now open 24/7 as demand for services increases

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