At The Mustard Seed, we believe everyone deserves housing, and we follow a housing-first model. As we recognize National Housing Day on November 22, we’re reminded of the importance of this commitment. Every day, we work hard to move clients out of shelter and into safe, affordable homes — in 2024 alone, 1,269 individuals obtained housing through our services. We are proud to offer affordable housing buildings in Calgary, Edmonton, Grande Prairie, and Saskatoon.
So, what does it mean to follow a housing-first model? Annemarie Elzinga, The Mustard Seed’s Senior Director of Affordable Housing and Property Management, explains it this way:
“Everything we are doing, no matter how somebody enters into our programming, whether that’s through meals, Community Impact Centres, or shelters, we’re always helping the individuals that we serve take their next step towards setting them up to get housing.”
Affordable, supportive housing is essential at The Mustard Seed. “With all that we do in supportive housing, it’s helping folks take another step towards independence,” says Annemarie. “We’re helping and supporting them to maintain their tenancy and their housing.”
Though taking a first step toward independence is huge, the journey towards it “is never linear” because “for some, it could be faster; and for others it could be a lifelong journey.”
When it comes to supportive housing, Annemarie emphasizes that the process starts with the individual.
“We help them set their own goals and move at their own pace. It’s not our goals being implemented on them. So sometimes for our folks, the very first step is building trust.”
Many of the individuals we serve have experienced trauma, and as a result, may approach certain systems with caution or guardedness. Through building trust with the staff, we work with them to build into themselves for stability and strength.
When we asked Annemarie what she finds most fulfilling in her role, she shared that the greatest moments are “seeing the residents thrive.”
“It’s reading stories about how somebody is reconnected with their family or getting into the type of support they need. It’s really cool to see someone come into the building, take ownership, and say, ‘this is our home!’”
She also finds joy in the dedication of our staff. “Sometimes it’s not always visible with the work that we do, but over time, you see the impact. The staff are so dialed in to helping the residents take those steps towards independence, so that always brings me a smile.”
Click here to learn more about housing at The Mustard Seed.
