As of July 2023, there are over 3,100 Edmontonians experiencing homelessness. To combat this need in the community, the City of Edmonton’s 2022 Affordable Housing Investment Plan cites the creation of an additional 2,500 affordable housing units, with 600 units of supportive housing, of which Prairie Manor was a part of.

Prairie Manor is a direct response to a unique call to action across municipal and federal levels of government. As a recipient of CMHC’s Rapid Housing Initiative Program and the City of Edmonton’s Affordable Housing Investment Plan, Prairie Manor contributes 85 supportive housing units as part of the Rapid Housing Initiative’s total target of 9,200 new affordable housing units across Canada.

The solution to homelessness is housing and support services. The Mustard Seed is currently successfully operating 3 Supportive Housing projects as well as a housing-focused shelter within Edmonton. This allows us to immediately help people from all walks of life and connect those in need to housing and community supports.

Prairie Manor is located in the Strathcona Junction area. After assessment of the Strathcona community, we continue to see a need for housing supports and accessible services for Edmonton’s most vulnerable. It is estimated that 1000 people in Strathcona were in need of a place to sleep between April - September 2021. As of July 2023 there are over 3,100 Edmontonians experiencing homelessness

Prairie Manor focuses on housing marginalized and over-represented populations experiencing poverty. We are committed to maintaining a 60% Indigenous tenant population and reserve 30% of units for women. To qualify for residence in Prairie Manor, potential residents must meet the following criteria:

• Valid photo ID
• Residents must be a minimum of 18 years of age
• Residents must be able to provide proof of income to pay all required rent and utilities
• Residents must understand, sign, and comply with the Residential Services Agreement, House Rules, and Expectations of their tenancy
• Residents must be willing and able to care for themselves physically, mentally, medically, hygienically, and/or have supports in place to aid with their self-care
• Single occupancy only
• No pets allowed

Prairie Manor staff are present 24/7 at the building to ensure the safety and well-being of residents. Our staff receive first responder training for various emergencies and are able to respond to crises 24/7 in and around the premises. Staff support residents in a variety of ways, including:

• Financial management
• Tenancy management
• Spiritual care
• On-site programming, which includes activities such as gardening, cooking, arts and crafts, and music
• Pharmacare
• Cultural supports
• Mental health supports

Safety is The Mustard Seed’s number one priority in operating programming. Our programming works to create a safe and supportive space for all members of the program – clients, residents, staff, volunteers, and the greater community. Policies and procedures we have in place for safety and security include:

• 24/7 Onsite Staffing
• Security Cameras
• FOB Systems
• Fire Safety and Emergency Plan
• Incident Reports
• Multidisciplinary Case Management

The Mustard Seed is taking steps to prevent loitering around Prairie Manor. These include:

• Locking our garbage bins from 10 p.m. - 7 a.m.
• Turning off outside power outlets
• Asking those who are loitering to move on
• Directing people to visit a drop-in centre or shelter for any needed supplies

No, Prairie Manor is a permanent supportive housing building offering affordable housing with wrap-around supports. This means that Prairie Manor is residents' permanent home; they have their own private suites, pay rent, and have access to supports to ensure that they can maintain stable housing and meet their goals of wellness and self-sufficiency.