Mustard Seed Neighbour Centre renovation adds 50 shelter spaces
Donation from Shaw Family Foundation helps non-profit meet south side's needs
The Mustard Seed's newly renovated Neighbour Centre Strathcona opened its doors on Wednesday with 50 overnight shelter spaces for Edmontonians experiencing homelessness.
The non-profit organization identified the need for more shelter spaces in the city's south side four years ago. The renovations were possible with funding from the Shaw Family Foundation, the Mustard Seed said in a release.
“This generous gift from the Shaw Family Foundation is the catalyst needed to begin meeting needs on the south side of Edmonton in a more significant way,” said Dean Kurpjuweit, the Mustard Seed's chief regional officer. “The Shaw family is directly supporting change for our participants, and for that, we are deeply grateful.”
The updated Neighbour Centre Strathcona will continue to provide “vital” community programs and supports in addition to the 50 overnight shelter spaces.
Shaw Family Foundation president Julie Shaw said the renovated centre was a good fit.
“Our family is excited to see how the building's renovations have transformed it into a multi-use space that will give people what they need immediately as well as help them access what they need to have a brighter future,” she said.