Housing units to be created to help Indigenous people facing homelessness in Edmonton
The organization emphasizes the need for public support, as opposition to housing projects often arises from community concerns.
A new supportive housing project near Fort Road and 75 Street in Edmonton aims to provide permanent housing for Indigenous people facing homelessness, creating a stable environment where they can reconnect with their cultural roots.
The project, led by NiGiNan Housing Ventures, will build 14 housing units capable of accommodating up to 56 individuals who currently live on the streets or in temporary shelters.
Christine Davies, housing program manager of NiGiNan and a former homeless person, shared that reconnecting with her community through Indigenous-led support was instrumental in her journey toward stability.
She now manages housing sites for NiGiNan, which provides temporary shelter and permanent housing for Edmonton's unhoused Indigenous population.
The project, funded with nearly $10 million, will include two-storey units with a range of accommodations.
Upstairs units will offer three-bedroom spaces with support services, while accessible basement suites are designed to house elders and people with mobility challenges. Construction is expected to begin in spring 2025, with a targeted opening in spring 2026.
NiGiNan Housing Ventures is also set to receive an additional $10 million from the federal government for a second supportive housing site, with details forthcoming.
The organization emphasizes the need for public support, as opposition to housing projects often arises from community concerns.
As part of housing awareness month in Edmonton this November, advocates hope to shed light on the urgent need for safe and affordable housing solutions for vulnerable populations in the city.
