The City of Medicine Hat is facing a crisis as winter approaches, with its vulnerable homeless population lacking access to daytime services. The Mustard Seed, a nonprofit, had operated a community hub offering meals, clothing, career support, and a safe indoor space, but the city shut down the facility earlier this year following resident complaints. The nonprofit’s emergency shelter remains open, but it cannot provide the full range of services needed.
Brent Trask, Chief Impact Officer at The Mustard Seed, warns that without a community hub, over 100 people will be left without support during the day, potentially leading to tragic outcomes as temperatures drop. The organization is now seeking a permanent site to unify its services, with a proposal for an old labour hall on the city’s outskirts recently withdrawn due to community opposition.
Despite the city’s efforts to find a solution, delays related to the upcoming civic election and lack of consensus from residents have stalled progress. The Mustard Seed is now pursuing temporary solutions while continuing to work with the city on long-term options. With 104 people experiencing homelessness in 2024, the city’s once-declared end to chronic homelessness has been reversed, highlighting the urgency for a permanent, culturally sensitive service hub.
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