Coming together

Mustard Seed, RESOLVE campaign join forces for The 1010 Centre

A new 12-storey development has officially opened in Calgary to provide affordable homes for low-income residents.

The 1010 Centre, owned by The Mustard Seed, includes 224 furnished units, as well as support services including employment coaching, a computer lab and assigned support workers for residents.
The centre is located downtown on Centre Street S.E.

"For 30 years, the Mustard Seed has been caring for Calgarians experiencing poverty and homelessness. With the completion of The 1010 Centre, we are now able to provide 224 safe, new, affordable home to low-income and formerly homeless residents," said Mustard Seed CEO Stephen Wile. "Working together as a community, we can make sure that everyone living in Calgary has a safe place to call home."

Rent at The 1010 will range from $500 to $850 a month, with the requirement residents will meet with their assigned support worker.

Through Calgary's RESOLVE Campaign – a group of nine social service agencies joining with the government to address affordable housing in the city – the Mustard Seed is raising capital funds to retire the mortgage on the property.

"The 1010 Centre is a great example of collaboration and generosity," said Jay Westman, cabinet member with RESOLVE. "Amazing things can happen when we work together to solve the affordable housing crisis in Calgary."

Funding for The 1010 Centre, in part, comes from $3 million from the federal government through the Affordable Housing Initiative and $1 million through the Homelessness Partnering Society.

"The 1010 Centre is an example of how our government is working to improve the lives of Canadians through housing," said MP Joan Crockatt. "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."

Another project recently announced under the RESOLVE campaign is a 160-unit building designated to Horizon Housing Society, which will provide homes for people with mental-health challenges and disabilities, as well as families working below the poverty line and the working poor.

The project was made possible with a $1-million donation from RBC.

"As a bank, RBC has helped so many Canadians achieve the dream of having their own home. RBC's gift builds on that foundation by bringing the dream of home to individuals and families in need," said Horizon executive director Kim O'Brien.