The Mustard Seed is giving the public a sneak peak on Saturday of its commercial kitchen construction underway at the Allowance Avenue premises. The number of people seeking a cooked breakfast at the organization's Champion's Centre on N. Railway Street can no longer be accommodated inside. While the meal is cooked inside people are served from a trailer at the back of the premises.--SUBMITTED PHOTO
gslade@medicinehatnews.com@MHNGillianSlade
The number of people seeking a cooked breakfast at the Champion’s Centre on N. Railway Street each morning has outgrown the size of the facility and this Saturday there is an opportunity for the community to respond.
“Last Friday there were 137 and our average is 90 to 95,” said Colette Eirich, managing director for The Mustard Seed in Medicine Hat. “We are not judging. We are about serving if they’re hungry.”
There are more people arriving than can be accommodated inside The Champion’s Centre. The breakfast is cooked inside and currently served from a trailer at the back of the premises.
The Mustard Seed is a Christian non-profit organization caring for individuals experiencing poverty and homelessness since 1984. In the fall of 2019 it expanded into Medicine Hat with premises at 503a Allowance Avenue. It also operates The Champion’s Centre and the Oasis Cafe on Allowance Avenue and what was previously called the Hope Street Compassionate Ministry.
The plan is to establish a family resource hub and a wellness centre on Allowance Avenue with a community kitchen on the main floor and a range of supports on the lower level.
That commercial kitchen is about 50 per cent complete and this Saturday The Mustard Seed is giving a sneak peak of the progress. It is also providing an opportunity for the community to show support at its Harvest Take Away Event.
“We’ve got to get this kitchen done,” said Eirich noting that while getting to know their clients they have a list of 151 people who describe themselves as homeless.
Eirich says many of these people have turned down the assistance available in the community through community housing for a variety of reasons.
“Community Housing made sure everybody had an ‘opportunity’ for housing but they have to ‘choose that’,” said Eirich. “We all have a story and we all have problems. We don’t judge.”
Those who would like to donate and have an opportunity to see the new facility on Saturday, will need to pre-register online, to facilitate COVID safety requirements. The registration includes the purchase of a soup kit for $20.
After touring the facility on Allowance Avenue, there will be an opportunity to enjoy a little market. There will be pumpkins, pies, sausage on a bun, salsa and even some crafts for sale.
Use the link below to register for event.
Eirich says they need everyone’s support to sell at least 250 soup kits.
https://mailchi.mp/theseed/mh-harvest-email-2
