How receiving income can impact an individual’s outlook. DR. JOHN ROOK THE MUSTARD SEED CALGARY

 Dedicated to building community, growing hope and supporting change  The Mustard Seed delivers basic services, housing and employment programs to homeless and previously homeless people in Alberta

DOES RECEIVING INCOME CHANGE YOUR WAY OF THINKING?

 All participants were clients of The Mustard Seed Calgary  All participants previously had no income and were seeking the help of The Mustard Seed in applying for income supports

 Participants were asked two questions intended to capture changes in their thought processes 1) What was your life like when you had no income? 2) What is your life like now that you are receiving income?

PARTICIPANT 1: RON  Canadian Military Veteran unable to work due to an injury to his jaw  Began living at The Mustard Seed shelter  Describes having no income as being in survival mode, living day to day  Veteran affairs helped Ron receive income and become housed  Ron says that receiving income allows him to plan for the future and to set personal goals & aspirations

PHYSIOLOGICAL NEEDS SAFETY NEEDS LOVE AND BELONGING ESTEEM SELF-ACTUALIZATION

PARTICIPANT 2: ASHLEY  Struggling with addictions, Ashley became homeless  Ashley got clean while staying at the TMS shelter  Ashley learned she could not receive AB income without being housed  Ashley began looking for housing, but was not eligible for low-income housing options due to a relatively large tax return amount in her bank account  Ashley was obligated to empty her bank account before she could be housed and receive income

SOURCE: Citizens For Public Justice

PARTICIPANT 3: TERRY  Living on a reservation as a child, Terry’s family received just over $200 in support a month  Terry moved to the city of Calgary where he knew he could get a job and live a better life  For many years, Terry worked as rodeo clown. He was eventually injured on the job and is now unable to work.  Recently, Terry found an affordable apartment with a roommate and was able to apply for Alberta Works.  Terry currently spends 57% of his income on his rent.

SOURCE: Citizens For Public Justice

Dr. John Rook Director of Programs & Strategic Initiatives The Mustard Seed Calgary