Nihdawin Housing Support Program
Eligibility
- Indigenous women and families experiencing homelessness
- Individuals facing significant risk of episodic and chronic homelessness
Service Objectives
- The Nihdawin program is a housing framework that was developed from the Housing First perspective. Nihdawin adopted and developed philosophies from Indigenous Housing First and adapted them to meet the needs of Indigenous women and families experiencing homelessness. Through the Nihdawin program, we believe that housing is a human right, and works with individuals facing significant risk of, episodic and chronic homelessness by placing them into appropriate housing based on their needs and affordability. We work to eliminate the barrier of being “housing ready” and build relationships with landlords and property management for quick housing placement.
Program Goals
- Our goals when working with community is to improve their quality of life through appropriate housing, and then work on their overarching barriers that lead to homelessness through case management, and referrals. The Nihdawin program works in improving self-sufficiency, reducing justice, legal, health, and emergency services, and additionally have in-housing addiction navigation to aid in promoting addiction recovery. We work on maintaining stability, community integration, and empower Indigenous people to reach their goals and remain housed.
Service Description
- Although our services are individualized for each community member, we offer the following services:
- Intake assessments, SPDAT assessments, goal setting, home visits and follow-up support
- Housing search, housing placement, securing and maintaining housing including eviction and relocation upon eviction
- Budget management and skills
- Landlord advocacy / obtain landlord references
- Assist with basic start up
- Referrals to other community agencies/partners
- Individual support