Indigenous-led Shelter Design
Expression of Interest
Share your knowledge and guidance on how to create a safe, comfortable and culturally appropriate space for Indigenous people experiencing homelessness.
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Share your knowledge and guidance on how to create a safe, comfortable and culturally appropriate space for Indigenous people experiencing homelessness.
Indigenous experiences of homelessness and housing need are linked to historical trauma, oppression, racism and discrimination. Government practices and policies – including colonialism, residential schools, and the Sixties scoop – have been linked to experiences of social exclusion, familial dysfunction, substance abuse, addictions, health issues and community violence, all of which directly contribute to homelessness and housing need.
The City is committed to addressing the disproportionate representation of Indigenous people among those experiencing homelessness and housing need in Edmonton. Current initiatives include improvements to the emergency shelter system and the creation of culturally-appropriate, trauma-informed affordable and supportive housing.
The City’s 2022 Housing Needs Assessment identified a significant and growing housing need that disproportionately affects Indigenous households. While 8% of Edmonton’s population identifies as Indigenous, 58% of people experiencing homelessness identify as Indigenous. Citywide, 1 in 4 renter households pays more than it can afford on housing costs. Among Indigenous renter households, that figure rises to 1 in 3.
The City’s Indigenous Affordable Housing Strategy was created through engagement with Indigenous housing providers, support service providers and advocacy groups focused on poverty and homelessness. The strategy provides guidance on how to create more Indigenous-led affordable and supportive housing.
Homelessness can only be meaningfully addressed through affordable housing and adequate support services. While the City is committed to these long-term solutions, we are also exploring how to best support Indigenous people who need help right now.
The City of Edmonton is seeking an Indigenous-led organization or government that may be interested in operating a non-congregate shelter. This could include models that are 24/7, low barrier, semi-private and/or smaller scale, or other models. Indigenous-led organizations or governments that express interest will be asked to share their knowledge and guidance on how to create a safe, comfortable and culturally appropriate space where Indigenous people experiencing homelessness can find the physical, emotional and spiritual support they need. Based on the number of responses received, the City may form a design committee to provide input on the built form requirements.
The City is seeking responses from Indigenous-led non-profit organizations, First Nations, Métis settlements, Métis Settlements General Council, Tribal Councils, Treaty Organizations, or organizations that represent an Indigenous government as demonstrated by resolution of its governing body. Indigenous applicants are welcome to partner with non-Indigenous entities.
Interested organizations are asked to provide business information including contact information, organization profile and relevant experience, as well as a high-level vision for a non-congregate Indigenous-led shelter.
In 2022, City Council earmarked $1 million for early design work of a City-funded emergency shelter operated by an Indigenous-led organization or government. Design options and cost estimates from the architectural consultant, informed by insights from the interested operator(s) or design committee, will be shared with Council for its consideration. If approved, the goal is to start providing services in winter 2025.
Indigenous knowledge and expertise is critical to ensuring that a new emergency shelter is designed to meet the needs of Indigenous people experiencing homelessness in Edmonton. The City wants to work with Indigenous organizations from the earliest stages of design for the best chance of success.
Participants will be asked to provide a vision for an Indigenous-led emergency shelter as well as review and provide feedback on architectural concepts to help shape the built form requirements. The City will use this input to help shape a proposal for a City-funded, Indigenous-led shelter for people experiencing homelessness in Edmonton. The proposal will be shared with City Council for its consideration.
Participants can expect to commit approximately 4-6 hours per month for 6 months. All meetings will be held virtually.
Yes, all eligible organizations that express interest will be selected for the advisory group and receive a per diem in alignment with the City’s compensation for agencies and boards.
The Affordable Housing Investment Program provides limited grant funding to eligible non-profit and private sector entities to encourage affordable housing development. As of 2023, there is a new grant stream specifically intended for Indigenous organizations to help build new affordable housing units and/or rehabilitate existing affordable housing units.
The City will provide up to 25% of total capital costs for affordable housing. Grants of up to 40% will be considered.
Affordable Housing and Homelessness, Social Development Branch
18th Floor, Edmonton Tower
10111 104 Avenue NW
Edmonton AB T5J 0J4
If you are calling from outside of Edmonton: 780-442-5311
Telephone | 311 |
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