The Mustard Seed Saskatoon
Last Updated November 29, 2024
HOUSING
We are excited to announce that The Mustard Seed is the successful proponent
of a request for proposal to provide property management and supportive
housing services at 304 2 Avenue S, Saskatoon, starting December 1, 2024.
The Mustard Seed, in partnership with Saskatchewan Housing Corporation and
Saskatoon Housing Authority, is excited to provide vital supportive housing to
those who are experiencing poverty and homelessness in the community. Mustard
Seed Housing Saskatoon is a permanent supportive housing building offering
residents stable, safe, affordable housing with wrap-around supports.
Supportive housing helps residents maintain their housing, reducing the volume
of homelessness and related issues in the city by creating a safer, vibrant
community for all residents.
The Mustard Seed Housing Saskatoon adopts an innovative approach uniquely
designed to support residents with various services, healthcare, meals,
addiction support, inclusive Indigenous and multi-cultural programming, and
recreation – all in one place. The comprehensive supports and services help
residents sustain their housing making The Mustard Seed Housing Saskatoon a
long-term recovery-oriented housing solution in the community.
The Mustard Seed Housing Saskatoon offers up to 60 supportive housing units
that provide permanent homes for people exiting chronic homelessness.
Supportive housing is not a shelter; residents sign a lease, pay rent, and
participate in their community. Residents are provided 24/7 access to onsite
wellness and social supports assisting individuals in achieving and
maintaining stable housing.
The Mustard Seed Housing Saskatoon FAQs
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1. What is Supportive Housing?
Supportive housing helps residents maintain their housing, reducing the volume of homelessness and related issues in the city by creating a safer, vibrant community for all residents. It is an alternative housing model that diligently works to prevent re-entry into homelessness or extreme poverty. Studies have shown supportive housing to be an effective use of public resources, reducing reliance on hospitals and other emergency services.
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2. What kind of services will The Mustard Seed provide?
The Mustard Seed Housing Saskatoon offers up to 60 supportive housing units that provide permanent homes for people exiting chronic homelessness. Supportive housing is not a shelter; residents sign a lease, pay rent, and participate in their community. Residents are provided 24/7 access to onsite wellness and social supports assisting individuals in achieving and maintaining stable housing.
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3. How is this site different than others operating in the area?
The Mustard Seed Housing Saskatoon adopts an innovative approach uniquely designed to support residents with various services, healthcare, meals, addiction support, inclusive Indigenous and multi-cultural programming, and recreation – all in one place. This site does not offer drop-in services. The differences mean that there will be a significant reduction in loitering outside the building.
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4. How many tenants currently reside in The Mustard Seed Housing Saskatoon?
As of November 19, 2024, there are 75 tenants in the building.
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5. Do you accept referrals?
We are currently above capacity and will not be accepting new applications to the building.
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6. What is The Mustard seed doing to prevent loitering?
The Mustard Seed will have an active presence; asking those who are loitering to move on, and directing people to visit a drop-in centre or shelter for needed supplies.
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7. Is Mustard Seed Housing Saskatoon a drop-in space or a safe consumption site?
No, Mustard Seed Housing Saskatoon is a permanent supportive housing building offering affordable housing with wrap-around supports. This means that Mustard Seed Housing Saskatoon is the residents' permanent home for as long as they need it. They pay rent and have access to support to ensure that they can maintain stable housing and meet their goals of wellness.
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8. Who can I contact if I have questions about The Mustard Seed Housing Saskatoon?
At this time, all questions or concerns should be directed to [email protected].
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9. What experience does The Mustard Seed have with serving Indigenous people?
Our organization has experience working with Indigenous communities, including one of our shelters in Edmonton, where 30–50% of shelter users identify as Indigenous. Through partnerships with indigenous organizations, we’ve learned the importance of collaboration and cultural understanding. As we begin work in Saskatoon, we are committed to listening, learning, and moving forward in a good way, guided by Indigenous advisors and our values of love and respect.
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10. Does Mustard Seed Housing Saskatoon offer Indigenous programming?
Yes, the site offers Indigenous programming through an existing partnership with New Pathways. This organization provides weekly onsite culturally appropriate programming, along with personal interaction services, specifically tailored for housing residents.
SHELTER
In October 2023 the Government of Saskatchewan announced a Provincial Approach to Homelessness that included funding for 60 new emergency shelter spaces in two locations in Saskatoon.
- The Mustard Seed was selected by the Government of Saskatchewan to operate a temporary shelter (up to 18 months) in Saskatoon.
- The shelter will provide 30-40 beds for vulnerable people in Saskatoon and is expected to open Winter 2024/2025.
- A site located at 210 Pacific Avenue, Saskatoon has been selected, the search for longer-term sites continue.
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The temporary shelter will be considered to have mid-acuity for level of
complexity, individuals are required to be able to independently perform
their activities of daily living including mobility, personal grooming,
and other essential tasks, however we recognize that those who utilize the
space will have a complexity of needs. Guests using the shelter services
must be capable of independent functioning within the facility. The use of
illicit substances and alcohol is not permitted within the building or on
property.
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Our shelters are mainly housing-focused; meaning we desire to have our
shelter guests sustainably housed as soon as possible; while also
assisting them with emergency shelter, food, clothing, warm showers, and
hygiene supplies.
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Our number one priority in operating programming is safety. Saskatoon Fire
Department and Saskatoon Police Service are collaborating with us on the
development of a coordinated operating and community safety plan around
the site.
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Admission to the shelter is on a first-come, first-served basis.
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Vulnerable neighbours in Saskatoon will have full access to the shelter
(24 hours a day, seven days per week) and three meals a day for shelter
guests.
The Mustard Seed Shelter Saskatoon FAQs
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When do you anticipate the shelter in Saskatoon will be open?
The building at 210 Pacific Ave requires renovations by its owners before it can be used as a shelter by The Mustard Seed. While we do not yet have a confirmed opening date, The Mustard Seed is working with the City of Saskatoon and the Government of Saskatchewan to finalize the remaining requirements for launching shelter operations. We are eager to begin serving Saskatoon’s vulnerable population and making a positive impact in the community.
The Mustard Seed has been serving our most vulnerable neighbours for over 40 years. We are excited to work with the Government of Saskatchewan to help meet the challenges of vulnerable people in Saskatoon and to strengthen the safety net that provides support for those in need.
James Gardiner - CEO - The Mustard Seed
Who is The Mustard Seed
The Mustard Seed is a Christian non-profit organization that has been caring
for individuals experiencing homelessness and poverty since 1984. Operating
in six ꟷ soon to be seven cities ꟷ across Western Canada. The Mustard Seed
is a supportive haven where people can have their physical, mental, and
spiritual needs met and grow toward greater health and independence.
We have been an agent of change for four decades thanks to our donors,
volunteers, and support from the community.