Indigenous Housing Programs

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.

Learn more about this exciting opportunity

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.

Indigenous Affordable Housing Strategy

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.

Indigenous-led Shelter

Overview

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.

Grants for Housing Providers

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.

For More Information

Affordable Housing and Homelessness

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

Telephone

311

Indigenous-led Shelter Design

Expression of Interest

Indigenous Affordable Housing Strategy

Housing Needs Assessment

Current Initiatives

Indigenous-led Shelter

Overview

How to Express Interest

Frequently Asked Questions

Grants for Housing Providers

Resources for Indigenous-led Housing Providers

Affordable Housing Lands

Affordable Housing Tax Grant

For More Information

Affordable Housing and Homelessness