January 21, 2020

No More Reasons to Run

Evelyn lived on the streets for most of her life. She fell into a bad cycle of substance abuse, but…

December 18, 2019

He Did It All By Himself

Brian struggled with his finances for over two years. He was unable to work because of his declining health.

November 28, 2019

Celebrating 35 Years: Demystifying the World of Computers

Dave has been volunteering at The SEED for just over a year and a half. He started out volunteering in…

September 26, 2019

Celebrating 35 Years: Trevor’s Journey to Recovery

Trevor will tell you that there were a few vital factors that played a role in his journey to recovery…

Story, Addiction, Recovery, Support

August 27, 2019

Celebrating 35 Years: A Former Shelter Guest Pays It Forward

Three years ago, most people had written Jason off as a lost cause. Drug addiction ruled his life, leaving him…

Story, Anniversary, Recovery

August 6, 2019

Unmasking Homelessness: Meet Tony

Tony lost his mother, father, and brother-in-law in a tragic motorhome accident back in 1995. This traumatic event caused him…

July 19, 2019

Unmasking Homelessness: Meet Shawn

Shawn lost his father at the young age of 5 years old. This early childhood trauma started him on his…

Story, Homelessness, Poverty

June 12, 2019

Unmasking Homelessness: Meet Barb

Barb lived with voices in her head for over 30 years. Every day the voices would scream at her not…

Mental Health, Story

March 25, 2019

Ken’s Story

Like all our guests here at The Mustard Seed, Ken's story is unique. Ken was married and worked in…

Homeless, Story, Poverty, New Beginning

November 20, 2018

Meet Ron: A RESOLVE Campaign story

A stable home hadn’t exactly been a part of Ron’s life before moving into the 1010 Centre. He has moved…

Calgary, Story, Homelessness, Poverty, Housing

September 17, 2018

From Shelter Guest, to Emergency Rescue Technician and Actor

Meet Johnny – a former guest of The Mustard Seed. He’s overcome tremendous pain and adversity to live the…

Story, Shelter, Homelessness, Poverty

March 21, 2018

A Place to Call Home

After almost 1000 stays at our Foothills Shelter, Ron has a place to call home.

Calgary, Homeless, Story, Shelter, Poverty

March 16, 2018

Sekou’s Story

A community participant named Sekou came to Canada one year ago after living in a Sierra Leone refugee camp for…

Edmonton, Story, Employment, Hope

February 5, 2018

Colin’s Story: The Mustard Seed was a One-Stop-Shop

When Colin moved into the 1010 Centre in October 2015, he had done a lot of research about what he…

Calgary, Story, Recovery, Housing, 1010 Centre, Spiritual Care

October 16, 2017

Liz Tells of a Life Changing Warm Summer Evening

It was one of those warm summer evenings, and I just needed to run some errands. We stopped at a…

Community, Homeless, Story, Poverty, Donor

October 12, 2017

Cat Cuddling Brings Purpose to a Guest

Elise approached me during a resident engagement event. She told me she had lost her passion and wished she could…

Community, Story, Volunteer, Hope

October 12, 2017

Resident Andrew Says His Help Comes Through Many Hands

So often we hear about stories of how one life touches many. But here’s a story about how many lives…

Calgary, Story, Housing, Residents, 1010 Centre

September 28, 2017

It’s a Love Story

Diane, former 1010 Resident, is just back from an Alaskan cruise where she married Bradley, a gentle and kind man…

Calgary, Story, Residents, Family, Hope, 1010 Centre

September 27, 2017

10 Minutes of Your Time Can Change Someone’s Life

One of our staff received this simple note of gratitude from one of our guests. This is why we do…

Story, Thank You, Staff

September 15, 2017

From a Broken Dream to a New Purpose

Elaine was born in Montreal and lived a conventional life working as a deli clerk, pursuing her passion to become…

Calgary, Mental Health, Story, Employment, Housing, Residents, 1010 Centre

September 13, 2017

A Perspective on Death at The Mustard Seed

A guest of The Mustard Seed passed away last week. This happens enough, but we will literally never get…

Story, Staff

August 10, 2017

Denise’s Journey Leading to God

You’ll often find Denise sitting down in the lobby of the 1010 Centre visiting with friends she affectionately calls family.…

Calgary, Story, Shelter, Housing, Hope, 1010 Centre, Spiritual Care

July 20, 2017

Finding Hope After a Life of Addiction

37-year-old Lisa sits in the middle of the computer lab at The Mustard Seed Calgary’s Downtown Support Centre; this is…

Calgary, Mental Health, Story, Shelter, Addiction, Recovery, Refuge, Hope

May 29, 2017

The Shoes

I opened the door to see what state the Clothing Room was in. It was a day just like any…

Story, Homelessness, Poverty, Staff, Donate

December 23, 2016

Reclaiming Life and Giving Back

When Colin moved into the 1010 Centre in October 2015, he had done a lot of research about what he…

Calgary, Wellness, Story, Housing, Residents, 1010 Centre, Spiritual Care

December 23, 2016

Getting Through by Being Understood

Sasha, 23, says she’s a different person – more open and outgoing – since she started receiving support from The…

Wellness, Story, Homelessness

November 7, 2016

Chewing the Same Dirt

He’s been sober and off the streets for years. It took everything in him to stop by The Mustard Seed…

Story, Addiction, Recovery, Prison, Reintegration

May 13, 2016

The Mustard Seed’s Shelter “Saved my Life"

Bruce is one of the original tenants of The Mustard Seed’s Beltline affordable housing building. He’s well-known by his neighbours,…

Calgary, Story, Shelter, Homelessness, Housing

February 29, 2016

Growing Hope – Teresa’s Story

Your support of The Mustard Seed helps Grow Hope. Teresa was trying to get her life together after struggling…

Story, Addiction, Recovery, Housing, Hope, Spiritual Care

January 29, 2016

The Importance of Having a Safe Home

Kim lived on the streets for over a year and a half. She struggles with addictions and mental illness, but…

Edmonton, Mental Health, Story, Addiction, Housing, Residents

January 25, 2016

Donors Make Safe and Affordable Housing Possible

Darren moved into The Mustard Seed’s 1010 Centre in May 2014. He has struggled with addiction most of his life,…

Calgary, Story, Homelessness, Housing, Residents, 1010 Centre

January 18, 2016

Hope Grows at The Mustard Seed’s 1010 Centre

When Michael moved into the 1010 Centre a year and half ago he says he felt “immediate warmth” from the…

Calgary, Mental Health, Story, Addiction, Recovery, Housing, Residents, Hope, 1010 Centre

January 6, 2016

The Perfect Fit

A lovely lady came into the store at The Mustard Seed one evening. Her coat was very worn out and…

Edmonton, Story, Employee, Staff, Spiritual Care

December 3, 2015

Jesus Was Homeless Too

Almost no one thinks of Jesus and homelessness as being connected. Yet we read in Luke 9:58: “Jesus replied, ‘Foxes…

Homeless, Story, Employee, Staff

October 27, 2015

The Gift of Hope Inspires the Gift of Art

A few months ago, an older gentleman came into my office carrying a large plastic bag. He greeted me with…

Edmonton, Story, Shelter, Staff, Hope