Permanent Supportive Housing

Permanent Supportive Housing is a drug and alcohol free special care facility licensed under Alberta Health's Supportive Living Accommodation Licensing Regulation AR 40/2010. Details can be found at Alberta Health website www.health.alberta.ca/documents/CC-Accommodation-Guide4-2013-SL.pdf. It is a living community where residents honour one another to live healthy lifestyles moving away from substance abuse.

In Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) we strive to create a culture of respect, trust, self-autonomy, responsibility and community demonstrated in action. We value safe spaces and a culture of peace in which to learn, grow and achieve holistic well-being.

The services philosophy of Resident Engagement is to work with The Mustard Seed program areas and community partners to provide compassionate, individualized, voluntary services designed to help residents meet their own goals for self-sufficiency and self-determination.

Permanent Supportive Housing at The Mustard Seed will provide a unique opportunity for single men and women who are homeless, at-risk of homelessness or have low incomes. Residents will live in a drug and alcohol-free community with full access to a variety of services and programs that will meet their specific needs, while being encouraged in independence and growth.

Residents in PSH are required to touch base with an assigned Resident Engagement Worker on a weekly basis. This time will provide an opportunity for residents to share their concerns as well as celebrate their victories and be supported in their plans for the future. Resident Engagement staff will provide an orientation as well as general information regarding services for all residents. We will coordinate on-site recreational, social and community-building activities; support groups and educational opportunities such as computer classes, speakers, etc. through community partners.

PSH is regulated by the Supportive Living Accommodation Regulation AR40/2010 and requires that Resident Engagement staff provide reassessment and risk management services to all residents who are exhibiting behaviours that may jeopardize their residency. The Resident Care Plan will allow Residents to actively participate in behaviour modification and present them with an opportunity to become compliant with the residency requirements of House Rules and Resident Services Agreement to avoid eviction.

Suites in PSH at 1010 Centre Street SE are fully furnished bachelor or 1-bedroom suites with single bed, dresser, living room furniture and kitchen appliances.

Application Checklist

INSTRUCTIONS

• Please answer all questions and sign application – failure to do so will result in application being returned. The application form must be filled out completely and all information provided will be verified. It is helpful to ensure the contact names and phone numbers of rental references and employment are correct and expecting a call from The Mustard Seed.
• The Mustard Seed will NOT accept any application without the documents listed below.
• Email application form (pages 7 through 12) to [email protected] or may be mailed or dropped off to 1010 Centre Street SE, Calgary AB ATTENTION: Resident Engagement Manager
• Applicant will be required to attend an interview with Resident Engagement staff and with the Property Manager to review your applications and answer questions which will assess your suitability for Permanent Supportive Housing.

PROOF OF INCOME VERIFICATION

• Working income - Must show 3 months' pay stubs with the last month's gross earnings, or provide a letter on company letterhead from employer stating the number of average hours worked per week and hourly monthly income
• Self-employed business owner - Notice of Assessment or Notice of Reassessment provided after annual tax returns are filed
• Employment Insurance – one current pay stub or confirmation of gross weekly amount (My Current Claim)
• Worker' Compensation – One complete month of gross pay stubs
• Alberta Works – a copy of the 3-part medication services card with name, address and budget amount
• AISH – a copy of the 3-part AISH medical services card with name, address and budget amount
• Old Age Security (OAS) – stub from cheque or bank statement
• Canada Pension (CPP) – stub from cheque or bank statement
• Alberta Seniors Benefit (ASB) – stub from cheque or bank statement
• Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) – stub from cheque or bank statement
• Wartime Veteran's Allowance (WVA) – stub from cheque or bank statement
• Goods & Services Tax Rebate (GST Rebate) – stub from cheque or bank statement

SECURITY DEPOSIT & RENT PAYMENT INFORMATION

• A Security Deposit of $500.00 in the form of a money order or agency-issued cheque, payable to The Mustard Seed MUST be brought to the application interview.
• The Security Deposit is non-refundable if you are approved and do not move into the suite.
• First month's rent must be paid on or before move-in day before you receive keys to your suite.
• Applicant with agency rent subsidy must submit a letter with the application outlining amount of subsidy and length of subsidy program.

INTERVIEW PROCESS

• Applicant and/or caseworker will be contacted to book interview appointment
• Applicant will be required to attend an interview with Resident Engagement staff and with the Property Manager to review your applications and answer questions which will assess your suitability for Permanent Supportive Housing.
• Applicant is required to show government issued identification during interview.
• Resident Engagement staff and Property Manager will contact references and will advise applicant of acceptance or denial of application within 5 business days of interview.
• Property Manager will advise of move-in date upon acceptance of application.

Permanent Supportive Housing House Rules

Bedding (Standard 7)

• THE MUSTARD SEED provides twin-size bedframes, headboards and mattresses in all Residential suites, but does
• NOT provide bedding, towels or linens.
• Residents are responsible for the provision, cleanliness and good condition of their own bedding, towels and linens.
• Sheets must be washed every 2 weeks.

Cleaning (Standard 15)

• THE MUSTARD SEED will inspect all suites every 3 months (January, April, July and October);
• THE MUSTARD SEED provides bi-weekly Housekeeping services to all Residents. A cleaning schedule will be posted on the bulletin boards.
• Residents have to be out of their suites during their scheduled suite cleaning time.
• Residents are expected to keep their suites clean, odour free and tidy at all times.

Drugs & Alcohol

1. Use of drugs and alcohol on the premises is strictly prohibited.
2. All Residents must pass a urine drug test prior to move-in.
3. THE MUSTARD SEED will conduct urine drug tests on Residents based on exhibited behaviours and incidents.

Eviction

• Eviction with at least 14 day notice will be pursued for;
  • i. Nonpayment of rent: in full or in part after the 1stof the month
  • ii. Noncompliance: with ‘Residential Services Agreement' and House Rules.
• Eviction with at least 24 hour notice will be pursued for:
  • i. Disturbing: other Residents with noise, partying or other unacceptable behavior.
  • ii. Property Damage: by Resident or Resident's visitors
  • iii. Illegal Acts: by Resident or Resident's visitors

Illegal Activities

• THE MUSTARD SEED will NOT tolerate any illegal activities at The Tower or around the community.
• Any suspected illegal activities will be reported to the police immediately.

Laundry (Standard 8)

• Laundry facilities for Residents are on 3rd, 6th, 9th and 12th floors.
• Laundry machines are coin operated; THE MUSTARD SEED does NOT provide change.

Lost Key FOB

• For security reasons, all Residents have to report lost key FOB to:
  • i. Property Manager during office hours; or
  • ii. Front Desk after working hours, on stat holidays and weekends.
• The fee for a replacement FOB is $30.00.
• No reimbursement even if Resident finds the lost FOB.

Maintenance (Standard 3)

• THE MUSTARD SEED is responsible for all general and preventative maintenance of The Tower, furnishings and appliances, mechanical and electrical systems that belong to THE MUSTARD SEED.
• THE MUSTARD SEED will inspect the Residential suites four times a year to ensure they are in good working condition and where applicable, replacements and repairs are provided as needed.
• THE MUSTARD SEED will respond within 72-hours to all maintenance requests.
• Any repairs deemed by THE MUSTARD SEED to be Resident's negligence will be charged back to Resident and payment is due on receipt of the invoice.
• Residents should NOT repair any property or assets that belong to THE MUSTARD SEED.

Medication (Standard 10)

• THE MUSTARD SEED does NOT administer nor store medications for Residents.
• Residents are responsible for taking their own medications as instructed by their medical physicians.
• Residents are responsible for storing their own medications safely in their suites and keeping them out of reach from anyone else.

No Gifts (Standard 23)

• THE MUSTARD SEED staff, volunteers and contractors should NOT accept any gifts from Residents and in turn they should NOT give any personal gifts to Residents as well.

No Pets

• THE MUSTARD SEED has a No Pet policy in The Tower.

Noise Disturbance

• No excessive noise shall be permitted at any time.
• Failure to comply may result in an eviction.

Personalizing Space (Standard 5)

• Residents are allowed to personalize their suites with beddings, pillows, rugs, desk or free standing lights and decors
• provided that will not create a health and safety issue for them and their visitors.
• Residents may bring in additional pieces of furniture and small electrical appliances only with the permission of Property Manager.
• Residents are allowed to put up wall decor only if they have obtained the Property Manager's permission. Only small picture hooks may be used for hanging pictures in their suites.
• Residents are NOT allowed to hang any decoration on or cover Smoke Detectors and Water Sprinkler Heads.
• Residents are NOT allowed to have real Christmas trees in their suites.

Rent Payment

• Rent is due on or before the 1st day of every month in full.
• Rent payment can be by Debit, Cheque, Money Order or Direct Deposit.
• Failure to pay full rent on the 1st day of every month will result in a $25.00 Late Fee Charge plus further action up to an Eviction.
• Rent payment after the 1st day of the month should be by Guaranteed Funds (bank certified cheque, money order or debit).
• All Non-Sufficient Funds cheques will incur a fee of $35.00 and a late fee of $25.00 if it is rent payment. Thereafter payment has to be by Guaranteed Funds.
• Cheques and Money Orders should be made payable to THE MUSTARD SEED (include your Suite Number on the
• Cheque or Money Order for easy identification).
• THE MUSTARD SEED does NOT accept cash for rent payment.

Report of Absence (Standard 18)

• All Resident's whereabouts have to be reported to THE MUSTARD SEED in a 24-hour period.
• ‘Away Slips' from Resident Engagement are used when Resident is going to be away from TMS premises for over 24-hours.
• Resident Engagement to complete an ‘Incident Report' as per PSH licensing requirements if Resident's whereabouts are unknown within a 72-hour period.

Resident Conduct

• THE MUSTARD SEED has a zero tolerance regarding violence of any form against anyone.
• Physical violence will result in an eviction.
• Destruction of THE MUSTARD SEED property will result in an eviction.

Safety (Standard 2)

• THE MUSTARD SEED is responsible for ensuring the interior and the exterior grounds keeping of the Tower is well lit, safe, clean and well maintained.
• Residents should NOT tamper with the smoker detectors, water sprinklers, fire extinguishers that will affect the health and safety of the community.
• Residents shall comply with all health and fire regulations of the City of Calgary.
• Report any failed fire safety equipment immediately to Property Manager.
• Never disconnect or block the smoke detector. This is a serious offence which can lead to a fine from the City of Calgary and an eviction from THE MUSTARD SEED.
• Do not tamper with and/or hang anything on the sprinkler valves. They can easily break and activate the Tower's sprinkler system causing flooding and damage to The Tower. This will lead to an immediate eviction.
• All repairs and maintenance associated with Smoke Alarm and Water Sprinklers are an emergency and as such, THE MUSTARD SEED will not give a ‘24-hour Notice to Enter' to come into a suite for these repairs.

Self-Care

• Residents must conduct themselves in such a way that their way of life does not negatively impact the community or themselves.

Smoking

• Smoking is only allowed on the 3rd floor Patio as well as all balconies.
• No smoking is allowed in the suites, common areas, elevators or anywhere else except the above designated smoking areas.
• Failure to comply will result in a $200.00 penalty and possible eviction.
• This policy applies to Residents, Visitors, Staff and Contractors.

Unauthorized Visitor

• THE MUSTARD SEED has the following considerations for maintaining an Unauthorized Visitor List:
  • i. To protect the rights of Residents and staff to live and work in a peaceful, safe and welcoming environment.
  • ii. To ensure that Residents have full access to the peaceful and quiet enjoyment of their suites and common
  • areas of The Tower.
  • iii. To ensure compliance with ‘Residential Services Agreement' and House Rules.
  • iv. To ensure that the same guidelines are used uniformly and fairly for all Residents.
• This list applies to all THE MUSTARD SEED premises.

Visitors

• Residents are allowed 2 visitors at a time.
• Minors are to be accompanied by an adult and must have photo ID to be let into The Tower.
• Visitors are allowed from 8am to 10pm in suites and 10am to midnight in amenity rooms.
• Overnight visitors are NOT allowed at The Tower.
• Visitors are to comply with our visitor's policy and House Rules at all times.
• Visitors are required to sign-in at the Front Desk and to wear the provided identification lanyard.
• Visitors are met at the Front Desk by the Resident they are visiting.
• Residents are responsible for familiarizing their visitors with the House Rules.
• Resident is responsible for escorting their visitor to the Front Desk to ensure that the visitor signs out and returns
• the visitor's lanyard.
• THE MUSTARD SEED reserves the right to ban and/or refuse entry to non-compliant visitors who present a risk to
• the safety and well-being of our Residents and staff.

Weekly check-in with Resident Engagement

• All Residents in Permanent Supportive Housing must check-in with their assigned Resident Engagement Worker on a weekly basis either in person or via telephone.

Additional Rules

• THE MUSTARD SEED shall have the right to make or amend from time to time House Rules as in its judgement may
• be needful for safety, care and cleanliness of the premises, and for the preservation of good order therein, and such
• House Rules shall be kept and observed by the Resident.