The Mustard Seed will add 20 temporary spaces at its shelter on Allowance Avenue in order to provide access to services for more unhoused Hatters during the winter months.--NEWS FILE PHOTO
asmith@medicinehatnews.com
The Medicine Hat Mustard Seed will increase efforts to provide a safe, warm place for the unhoused population this winter, with a temporary expansion.
In a press release Thursday, the Mustard Seed explained that it will add 20 extra shelter spaces for the colder months. This move came at the request of the province of Alberta and in co-ordination with the municipal authorities, including the Medicine Hat Community Housing Society.
These additional spaces are a temporary measure to provide safe, warm shelter for vulnerable individuals during the colder months. These spaces will be found at the Community Impact Centre located at 503A Allowance Ave. The city has posted a notice regarding the change of property use.
In collaboration with the province and the city, the organization is also contributing to the development of a long-term plan that aims to centralize services at a single location for more effective support. This plan was initially mentioned in the legislature on Nov 26 following a question from Cypress-Medicine Hat MLA Justin Wright, and no more details were provided at this time.
These 20 additional supportive spaces aims to allow more individuals access to a variety of services such as safe shelter, warm meals and beverages, winter clothing and various support services.
“Compassion is at the heart of what we do. With our overnight shelter space consistently operating at full capacity, it’s clear that the need for support in Medicine Hat is greater than ever,” said James Gardiner, CEO of the Mustard Seed. “While this expansion is a temporary solution, the Mustard Seed remains committed to its vision of eliminating homelessness and reducing poverty. We are dedicated to continuing our efforts to support the most vulnerable members of our community.”
