Indigenous Housing First
Central Alberta
Edmonton
Program goal.
The Indigenous Housing First Program provides housing and follow up support for chronically homeless Indigenous people in Edmonton.
Ending Homelessness with Housing and Follow-up Support
The program is intended to last no more than 12 months as participants are stabilized and transitioned to a reduced level of support. The final stages of the program involve planning to discharge the participant once self-sufficient. Indigenous Housing First embraces the principle of Housing First and that every person has the right to a safe, secure home.
To refer someone to the program, contact:
Jennifer Bryce - Program Manager: jennifer-bryce@ncsa.ca
Program details.
Requirements for Access to the Indigenous Housing First Program
- Chronically homeless (4 episodes of homelessness within 3 year period OR continuous homelessness within one calendar year)
- Must score high enough on the SPDAT (Service Prioritization Decision Assistance Tool)
- Must have an income (Income Support, AISH, Part- Time, Full-Time)
- Must agree to 3rd party rent payment
- Must agree to receive Navigator supports in their home and community
- Must agree to be a good tenant and neighbour
Program Services
Housing – A Housing Outreach Worker assists participants in selecting housing of their choice. This includes:
- Helping participants search for and identify appropriate housing
- Establishing relationships with landlords, including mediating during times of conflict
- Applying for and managing housing allowances
- Assisting with setting up apartment (furniture, household items, groceries)
Follow-up Support – A Navigator assists participants in accessing resources and supports to promote community integration, improve quality of life and foster independent living. Each participant will develop a personal network of support to address skills and resource in areas including:
- Life, Housing and Tenancy skills
- Debt Reduction: budgets, financial aid, finding credit counselling
- Mental health: finding counselling
- Addiction Services: clinical support, rehab, harm reduction
- Medical: doctor, dental, vision and other medical access
- Legal
- Education
- Income Support and Disability
- Employment
- Daily Meaningful Activity
- Children Services Involvement support
- Cultural and spiritual Indigenous practices if participants are interested
