Surge funding for added shelter space at the Mustard Seed ends as of today, meaning beds move from 50 to 30 for the warmer months.--NEWS FILE PHOTO
zmason@medicinehatnews.com
Winter surge funding is ending at the Mustard Seed on Wednesday, reducing the shelter’s total capacity from 50 to 30 beds.
The Mustard Seed received a funding boost of $250,000 earlier this year to support the shelter’s surge capacity during the coldest months of winter.
The funding was used to support the 20 additional beds from January through the end of March.
“This year, thanks to Emergency Winter Response funding and the strong support of our community, we were able to ensure that every vulnerable Hatter who came through our doors this winter had access to shelter,” said the Mustard Seed in a statement to the News.
The Mustard Seed says no one was turned away from the shelter this winter. Despite the end of the emergency funding, the shelter still has a protocol for providing overflow capacity if needed.
Thirty-six individuals stayed at the shelter on the night of Mar. 30.
“As temperatures rise and the need for overflow capacity decreases, we are pleased to shift our focus toward longer-term stability,” said the Mustard Seed.
Beginning Apr. 1, the Mustard Seed is receiving new diversion funding to offer rent supports to at least 24 people.
Diversion funding is used to provide rental assistance designed to help individuals at risk of homelessness to maintain or return to permanent housing.
The shelter says guests were notified of the reduction one week in advance through posted notices that also informed them of the forthcoming housing supports.
