Indigenous Youth Housing First
Central Alberta
Edmonton
The Indigenous Youth Housing First Program provides housing and follow up support for chronically homeless Indigenous youth 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 Youth Housing First embraces the principle of Housing First and that every person has the right to a safe, secure home. The program focusses on ending homelessness by providing housing and follow-up support.
Requirements for Access to the Indigenous Youth Housing First Program
- Youth who are experiencing chronic homelessness
- Youth who are experiencing shorter periods of homelessness who will require a housing intervention to prevent chronic homelessness
- Must have an income (Income Support, AISH, Part- Time, Full-Time or agree to seek income once in program)
- 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 neighbor
Program Services
1. Housing – A Housing Outreach Worker assists youth in selecting housing of their choice. This includes:
- Helping youth 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)
2. Follow-up Support – A Navigator assists youth in accessing resources and supports to promote community integration, improve quality of life and foster independent living. Each youth 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 youth are interested
Address
12851 56 Street NW
Edmonton, AB T5A 0C9
