The Mustard Seed Aims to Help ’10 People Like You’ Off the Streets and Into Homes of Their Own

Calgary, AB (November 15, 2011) ? This week, The Mustard Seed launches a unique digital campaign that calls on Calgarians to respond to a critical need in our community.

Every night, thousands of men and women sleep on the streets or in a shelter, and though we can’t end homelessness overnight, we can end homelessness for one person at a time.

That’s what The Mustard Seed’s ’10 People Like You’ campaign is all about – coming together as a community to end isolation, indignity and hopelessness for 10 Calgarians just like you.

Just $15 can make a world of difference! Through videos, personal testimonies, and contests, The ‘10 People Like You’ campaign urges Calgarians to contribute in whatever way they can, whether financially or simply sharing the campaign with friends and family – or both! If one person donates just $15 and compels 10 of their friends to do the same and so on and so on, then we can end homelessness for 10 or more people in need.

This year, The Mustard Seed helped approximately 150 people exit the shelter system and regain their independence for an average cost of $15,000 per person, including the emergency shelter expenses, housing assistance, employment programs and other supports. That figure might seem high, but not when compared with the annual cost of inaction, which is estimated at up to $100,000 per homeless person in health care, support, crime and family services.

The average Calgarian feels helpless in the fight against homelessness and poverty, but The Mustard Seed knows from experience the incredible power of individuals working together toward a common goal. Together, we can raise $150,000 and help ‘10 People Like You’ begin their new life in a home of their own.

For videos, stories, contest details and more information on the ‘10 People Like You’ campaign, visit www.10peoplelikeyou.com.

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For more information, please contact:
Alyssa Burnham, Communications Specialist
The Mustard Seed
Cell: (403) 512-8209
Email: alyssaburnham@theseed.ca

About The Mustard Seed
The Mustard Seed is a Christian non-profit organization that has been caring for the needs of the less fortunate since 1984. Through its three ministry centres across Alberta, The Mustard Seed delivers basic services, housing and employment programs to those in need and partners with the community to address the root causes of poverty. For more information, visit www.theseed.ca.