The current economic recession has slowed down donations to agencies ministering to the poor and needy, but it hasn’t slowed down Pat Nixon.

The executive director of the Mustard Seed Street Ministry is forging ahead with plans for a 224-unit housing complex that he hopes will drastically reduce homelessness in this city.

"This is going to be an incredible drug-and-alcohol-free housing project," Nixon enthused. "When people hit the bottom of the bottom, and their life is torn to pieces and they’re saying, ‘Now I need a supportive environment to help me out of this,’ there’s very little for that. This will be designed around rebuilding their lives."

Pat Nixon, executive director of the Mustard Seed Street Ministry, looks over the plans for a 244-unit housing tower that intends to radically decrease homelessness in Calgary.  
                                                                                                     — photo by Peter Fleck

"It will be the same with this tower," Nixon said. "They will add to the safety of the community."

The tower is a daunting $75 million project with Nixon needing to raise $20-30 million in private donations.

"Never do things small," he said with a grin. "This is something I believe God put on our hearts so we’re going to go after it."

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Terry Young and Scott Weatherford discussing change with Scott learning the culture over a double-double.
– photo by Joyce Harback

The arrival of 51-year-old Weatherford signals a shift in church leadership initiated by existing Senior Pastor Terry Young and endorsed by the Elders’ Board. Young will remain on staff as Teaching Pastor.

Weatherford will provide vision for First Alliance, lead the staff, engage the congregation to reach out into the Calgary community and continue strong support of missions work throughout the world.

Weatherford looks forward to leading change.  "This is a great church," he said.  "It’s been well led for many years. I’m honored to be a part of that process."