Mustard Seed

It's been an interesting experience. You put up with a lot at the Shelter. Too much to be exact. Not the worst job I've had, but not one of the best either. This is by far one of the most micromanaged jobs I've ever had. So many staff were stressed and frustrated because of it. Staff teamwork is pretty good overall. We're all on  the same page with stiff and help each other out when need be so that works. It's a good cause helping people who are homeless and with the goal of hoping they get housed. Unfortunately, that's not the reality for some of them. Whatever the reason. In many ways, your role feels like damage control. Lots of slow periods in the day which for me I understand, but empowering people there has been difficult when they don't want to do much to move forward. Lots I could say, but my time there is ending. It was okay experience, but I wish it was better in all honesty. Especially from leadership top down. It left a bad taste in my mouth that I wouldn't want to be treated horribly . There's barely any support on the frontline too. Some of the people in higher positions don't even have degrees in what we deal with. It's been interesting seeing them trying to deescalate situations and I've told them that I'll handle it cause they've made the situation a lot worse in the short term. Again, lots of could say. It's hard to grow here , but for just above minimum, it doesn't surprise me. They have room to grow , but lots has to happen within leadership to change that. If that doesn't happen, you'll get a lot of employee retention where people won't stay. For a position that pays low, an did people are educated, they could quit tomorrow realistically if they wanted to. Expect the unexpected at shelters. You deal with so much for so little pay and support and emails and meeting aren't enough to make staff feel like they trust leadership. Your day is always up in the air too. Very repetitive days too.  We've lost a lot of good staff , and more will leave if things don't change for the better. Good for meeting the community. As for impact, well, hard to say as we get all sorts of people in our space. 

The Seed is well known and respected in Alberta, unless you've worked there. Some of their reputation is the stuff of urban charity myth. Numbers of homeless saved and served are often exaggerated especially when claiming people from homeless to housed. Too often the homeless are cycling and re-cycling through the system. Although housing is a good place to start, it's never that simple. Helping the disenfranchised people living on or near the street is very difficult work. How we measure ROI is part of the problem, too often having to impress the donor/investor. Overall, good organization that may be trying too hard. How can that be a bad thing? It can when the drive to achieve certain numbers turns the guest/client into a thing.

What is the best part of working at the company?
Staff care from management and they are easily accessible 

What is the most stressful part about working at the company?
Management always make sure that staff are stress free by making sure we enjoy our wellness days off

What is the work environment and culture like at the company?
Management are always seeking staff safety due to the environment in which we work

What is a typical day like for you at the company?
Making sure residents are safe from people sneaking into the property as well as making sure people who overdose are supported as soon as I can if any to prevent death

Staff here are great. Always go above and beyond and genuinely seem committed to serving the community... which is great but when you conclude that average salary is minimum it feels like exploitation when you realize that your clients make more a month off assistance than you.

Workplace environment is quite low, considering you are working as front-line staff at a shelter. Expect the unexpected.

Good stepping stone job. Not realistic as a long-term place of employment, as opportunities to advance are quite non-existent.


The Janitorial position, a temp position was both challenging and rewarding. If you thrive in a situation where you enjoy helping people, and you have a strong stomach this would be a job for you. Don't get me wrong sometimes the work was disgusting, but if you maintain a good attitude you can really feel like you are contributing. And that, especially in these times, makes all the difference.

I was a volunteer working in their Personal Assistance Centre, which has now been disbanded and moved to the various locations that Mustard Seed oversees. It was a fun place to volunteer. My fellow volunteers were friendly. I enjoyed helping the clients get registered into the computer system and then helping them to find the clothing and household items they needed.

If your passion is non-profit, working with people experiencing homelessness, working at markets and cleaning offices then it’s for you. Be ready to get your hands dirty and to be in an interesting and different environment. You will see something different everyday. Not a very clean work environment at all.

Upper management claims to be Christian- but on the contrary they’re dishonest and shady. No females in management.. I know.. typical. Egos run this place. It’s not for staff or clients at all.

There was no room for advancement and i did not make enough to live comfortably.When there were problems with other staff the management turned a blind eye and there was favoritism.The workplace was layed back and i enjoyed that about the job,

I can't give an accurate description for working here because I was just a volunteer. But from my interactions with the workers, they were all kind and caring - which, I mean, is required when you deal with the homeless and families in need of help. 

Ignore my star ratings for this.

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