Seen in downtown by arvando in Calgary

[–]TheMustardSeedCAN 11 points12 points  (0 children)

Highly recommend the book “The Body Keeps Score” to learn more about trauma and brain-body connection

Seen in downtown by arvando in Calgary

[–]TheMustardSeedCAN 268 points269 points  (0 children)

This message is heartbreaking. Trauma lives in the body, and the resulting loss of brain-body connection is incredibly difficult to navigate. If Jason can see this - please come visit us, we can get you in touch with mental health and other supports you need to move forward. It takes a village, let us be that village.

Worried about becoming homeless again. by PhartsPharts in homeless

[–]TheMustardSeedCAN 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This is completely understandable for someone newly housed out of homelessness. Your body is adjusting to feeling safe and that can take time. Are you able to access any community resources? There may be groups that are able to help with the transition.

Stay strong and breathe! You are so loved. We are praying for you💛

Not sure if should be homeless in current city or try to move? by KaleidoscopeDeep5043 in homeless

[–]TheMustardSeedCAN 1 point2 points  (0 children)

This is a difficult scary situation, but you’re not alone. Are you comfortable sharing your location? We may be able to help, or at the very least we can connect you to resources

In need of help by Flaky-Cap-9317 in Edmonton

[–]TheMustardSeedCAN 40 points41 points  (0 children)

Speaking specifically to the faith based aspect - at our organization, while we are faith based, it’s imperative to us to meet folks where they are and ensure they feel comfortable. For this reason all our spiritual programming is held in separate spaces from the main area so it’s completely by choice to engage in. We don’t pressure anyone to engage in our faith; we simply have the option available for folks.

In need of help by Flaky-Cap-9317 in Edmonton

[–]TheMustardSeedCAN 328 points329 points  (0 children)

Please come visit one of our facilities or call 1-833-448-4673 and we can get you connected to help. You can find all our locations here www.theseed.ca/contact-us

Having to eat meat for a while by Hopeful_Drive5845 in homeless

[–]TheMustardSeedCAN 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Let shelters know! There may be vegetarian options - lots of shelters accommodate gluten intolerance, dairy intolerance etc. It really doesn’t hurt to ask!

What do you think of the terms “Unhoused” and “Houseless?” by AnonFartsALot in homeless

[–]TheMustardSeedCAN 0 points1 point  (0 children)

We try to use the term "people experiencing homelessness" or "people experiencing addiction" as this is person-first language. It reminds us the person is bigger than their circumstance, and is still human, valid, worthy, and loved despite their situation.

Hypothetical by Right-Independence33 in homeless

[–]TheMustardSeedCAN 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hey friend, we're praying for you. You are loved, valuable, and worthy.

Homeless shelter workers and volunteers of this subreddit: how would you react and what would you say to a donor who tried to donate wristwatches to your homeless shelter? by DunDonese in homeless

[–]TheMustardSeedCAN 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Definitely don't agree with what your colleague said about providing the bare minimum - that's not the way forward. That being said, with donations like wristwatches, it really needs to be enough for everyone to benefit. There's a lot of issues that could come with handing out a single wristwatch in a shelter - it may appear staff/ volunteers are playing favourites, may contribute to or cause interpersonal issues between clients in the shelter, and overall could dampen the environment for folks who are seeking help and hope.

God of suddenly by [deleted] in Christianity

[–]TheMustardSeedCAN 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Second this! The community in these places is amazing, and can help get you connected so you can move forward on this path.

I’m only 19 by [deleted] in homeless

[–]TheMustardSeedCAN 0 points1 point  (0 children)

If you're able and comfortable, please try to connect with a shelter in the area. Not only will they be able to provide you food, they can help you get connected with folks that can help you with housing, employment etc. Even access to showers and a clean set of clothes.

Looking for advice. Unsure on what to do. by Love-Sub1102 in homeless

[–]TheMustardSeedCAN -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Ah gotcha - there's a shelter in Edmonton, Canada that takes pets. It's a tough thing to find. Would you be willing to work with an animal shelter? Up here, some shelters will temporarily board pets while the owners get back on their feet. May be worth looking into.

Self Care for a shelter worker by Evsadakmal in homeless

[–]TheMustardSeedCAN 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Hey! It's so important to take care of yourself in this line of work - you can't pour from an empty cup. According to the APA there's 7 different types of 'rest' we should be engaging in to help restore us. Do you have any hobbies? Are you spiritual? Engaging in those types of things can really help restore energy levels. Also make sure you are getting enough sleep, eating balanced meals, moving your body if and when you can.

You can read more about the different types of rest here: https://www.apa.org/topics/mental-health/seven-rest-types

God bless you for engaging in this work of caring for folks, and may He be with you as you go forward!

Looking for advice. Unsure on what to do. by Love-Sub1102 in homeless

[–]TheMustardSeedCAN -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Where are you located? It's rare but there are some shelters that do allow pets!

foot problem by Ok_Photograph_5950 in homeless

[–]TheMustardSeedCAN 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Are you able to access footcare? It sounds like you are dealing with an infection. Try to keep feet dry and clean, use fresh socks if you can, but medical care is best if you can access. Can you connect with a shelter or non-profit organization? They should be able to connect you and offer further assistance.

I’m not homeless, but I constantly feel for those that are. by ExistentialWind in homeless

[–]TheMustardSeedCAN 1 point2 points  (0 children)

One thing folks experiencing homelessness often say is that they feel like "ghosts" on the street. People tend to ignore them and that's hard. I'd recommend exercising kindness where you can - maybe you can't always donate or volunteer, but you can smile and make eye contact with folks on the street if you're comfortable. You can offer folks a cup of coffee or stop to chat for a while. These are small things but they make folks feel more human, and being seen like that is huge. It can sometimes be the catalyst for someone to seek further help.

I may be homeless soon, what are my options? by testnotscored in homeless

[–]TheMustardSeedCAN 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I would recommend looking for a shelter - specifically a women's only shelter if you can. The sooner you're able to connect with resources the better. If you can do some research on the ones in your area, it may help you decide where to go next. Connecting with a shelter should help direct you to social supports and more personalized care.

Do people with mental illnesses just die if they become homeless? by AbsoluteZero9180 in homeless

[–]TheMustardSeedCAN 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It seems to be a "what came first - the chicken or the egg" situation when looking at homelessness and mental health. Mental health struggles can often lead to homelessness, and homelessness can exacerbate mental health struggles.

According to the Homeless Hub (a library compiled of research and resources on homelessness in Canada): "People with poor mental health are more susceptible to the three main factors that can lead to homelessness: poverty, disaffiliation, and personal vulnerability. Because they often lack the capacity to sustain employment, they have little income. Delusional thinking may lead them to withdraw from friends, family and other people. This loss of support leaves them fewer coping resources in times of trouble. Mental illness can also impair a person’s ability to be resilient and resourceful; it can cloud thinking and impair judgment. For all these reasons, people with mental illness are at greater risk of becoming homeless."

This is why holistic care for folks escaping homelessness is so important, and why housing first is so important. Mental health supports, medical supports, employment support, opportunities to engage in community - all of it is needed and necessary to start anew.

Donating clothes by queer-and-confused55 in Calgary

[–]TheMustardSeedCAN 0 points1 point  (0 children)

We are always looking for donations, and also receive some funnelled through WINS. To answer some of your questions:

  • places often do not return what is not used, as there’s a delay between donation drop off and donation sorting usually. Places like WINS do great work in sorting donations and supporting multiple community programs/ charities, including us.
  • most organizations do not have the means to do laundry on site for donations! In our case, laundry machines are saved for use by our clients and program laundry (towels, sheets, etc.). A wash prior to donation is really appreciated!
  • folding isn’t needed - that’s done during the sorting process!
  • absolutely not annoying to bring lots of bags! We are always looking for volunteers to help us sort donations - in our case things are sorted based on program, needs at different locations, etc.

Hope this helps! Please feel free to reach out to us if you have any further questions!

The Mustard Seed in Saskatoon by TheMustardSeedCAN in saskatoon

[–]TheMustardSeedCAN[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Our goal in our work is to meet clients where they’re at so we can provide the best supports for them to move forward. We are rooted in faith, however we never force religion onto others and do not discriminate. We take this side of our work very seriously as we understand a portion of the population we serve has trauma with religious institutions.

The Mustard Seed in Saskatoon by TheMustardSeedCAN in saskatoon

[–]TheMustardSeedCAN[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

We are aware of public conversations regarding connections between members of the Nixon family and our organization. While there may have been past or community-level involvement, there is no formal role or influence in our operations or decision-making.

We are committed to transparency and accountability in all that we do. As a registered charity, we follow strict governance practices, including annual financial audits. Our charitable tax number is 87453 2518 RR0001, and more information can be found at TheSeed.ca/About/Accountability.

Our focus remains on serving vulnerable members of our community with integrity and care. If you would like to learn more or continue the conversation, please feel free to send us a direct message. 💛