WATCH: The Mustard Seed opened a new centre on Friday, and as Tony Tighe reports, the timing of the 1010 Centre couldn’t be any better.
CALGARY- The Mustard Seed’s 1010 Centre officially opened in Calgary on Friday, providing a look at additional affordable housing options for low-income residents.
“I’ve always wanted to deal with my issues with addiction and I’ve gone through a lot…over the years and you know, now I feel like I have a real fighting chance,” said Darren, who’s been dealing with addiction for 10 years, and ended up homeless as a result.
He turned to the Mustard Seed for help, and now has a place to live and work towards a new life. He’s about to take a university course, an employment course, and plans to get a job and start over.
Darren is one of 200 people living in the 1010 Centre. The 12-story apartment complex offers low-rent single living apartments for adults who’ve dealt with issues including abuse, addiction, mental health problems and/or physical disabilities.
“The 1010 Centre is an example of how our government is working to improve the lives of Canadians through housing,” said MP Joan Crockatt on behalf of the Honourable Candice Bergen, Minister of State (Social Development) in a statement. “These new apartments will help low-income individuals, and Calgarians who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, access affordable housing and support services that meet their needs.”
Each resident has a support worker they must meet with weekly, and a program designed specifically for their particular needs. Services include addiction counselling, mental health treatment and community building. Different agencies visit the centre to run programs for residents.
The cost to live in the building depends on a person’s income, and can range from $550 to $850 per month.
The project cost $60 million and the Seed is continuing a campaign to raise $120 million to build affordable housing for 3,000 people. The 1010 Centre is Canada’s largest permanent supportive housing initiative of its kind.
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