REALTORS® serving Calgary and area

The Mustard Seed
The Mustard Seed

July 22, 2025 | CREB

Planting the seed for an independent future

Having grown up on the outskirts of town, Tom worked various jobs to make ends meet throughout his life. After years of hard labour , his health and mobility made it difficult for him to keep working and he was forced into early retirement. This led him to move around from place to place, struggling to keep up with rent and always coping with an uncertain living situation.

Then, he discovered The Mustard Seed and the support it could provide for people in his situation.

As part of the CREB® REALTOR® Community Foundation’s mission to create new housing options, keep people housed and improve housing quality, in 2024 the foundation awarded $25,000 to The Mustard Seed to assist with major repairs and renovations to its existing housing.

These repairs included the replacement of the flooring – from greatly worn carpet to vinyl flooring that’s easier and more cost-effective to maintain – in five of The Mustard Seed’s short-term housing units that are home to people like Tom who are working towards independent living.

“For clients coming out of shelters, having a clean and comfortable place to live can be transformative,” says Eli, Housing Manager at The Mustard Seed.

“These renovations have created a more dignified space for tenants as well as make cleaning of the space much easier.”

Eli adds that when tenants have upgrades to their apartment suites and surroundings, they tend to appreciate their personal space more and are more motivated to care for it.

“The Mustard Seed has helped me a lot,” says Tom, who takes part in the building’s bingo nights and art lessons hosted by staff and volunteers. “I respect all the staff, you couldn’t ask for better friends here.”

The Mustard Seed’s commitment to providing affordable housing, support services, and a sense of community has given individuals like Tom a second chance. Support from the CREB® REALTOR® Community Foundation has helped The Mustard Seed to continue offering this next step for people working towards independent living. 

Tagged: CREB® REALTOR® Community Foundation


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