Indigenous Housing Programs

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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 needs in Edmonton. Current initiatives include improvements to the emergency shelter system, pathways into housing 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.

Housing Needs Assessment

August 2022

Current Initiatives

Indigenous-led Shelter and Transitional Spaces

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.

In addition, the City is seeking Indigenous-led organizations or governments with a vision or concept for transitional spaces for people experiencing homelessness that could include a land-based component. These spaces would offer short-term accommodations and support services with a focus on cultural-based healing and pathways into permanent housing.

How to Express Interest

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 an Indigenous-led shelter and/or land-based transitional spaces.

Review the project background and response requirements:
- Indigenous-led Shelter
- Indigenous-led Transitional Spaces
Email housing@edmonton.ca. Indicate the project you are inquiring about in the subject line.
Email submission to housing@edmonton.ca by May 19, 2023 with the subject line “Expression of Interest: Indigenous-led shelter ” or “Expression of Interest: Land-based transitional spaces”

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the City opening an 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. A timeframe for opening an Indigenous-led shelter is dependent on submissions and Council approval. What is an Indigenous-led transitional space?

The City is open to a wide range of models for short-term accommodation for people experiencing homelessness. We will consider proposals that include a land-based component in addition to proposals for traditional built form. The transitional spaces would offer safe, adequate accommodation and connections to other supports with an outcome of moving individuals into stable and appropriate housing.

What is an Indigenous-led transitional space?

What are the City’s Minimum Shelter Standards?

The City’s Minimum Shelter Standards aim to create better, more accessible shelters, increase uptake of available space and help more people exit homelessness by rapidly connecting them with housing. There are operational, service delivery and infrastructure standards that outline how to provide low barrier, 24/7 shelter space that allows for adequate rest, meets basic needs and offers on-site support, including mental health and addictions, housing and Indigenous cultural support.

Any proposal for an Indigenous-led shelter would need to incorporate the Minimum Shelter Standards.

Why is the City seeking input from Indigenous-led organizations and governments?

Indigenous knowledge and expertise is critical to ensuring that a new emergency shelter or transitional spaces are 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.

How will the participants’ input be used in the shelter design?

Participants maybe 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 may 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. Preference may be given to an organization with existing access to or ownership of a building or location that can be adapted to a permanent Indigenous-led shelter, precluding the formation of a design committee.

What is the time commitment for participants in the shelter design?

Participants can expect to commit approximately 4-6 hours per month for 6 months. All meetings will be held virtually.

Will participants be compensated for their work if a shelter design committee is formed?
Yes, if a shelter design committee is formed, all members will receive a per diem in alignment with the City’s compensation for agencies and boards.

Will participants be compensated for their work?

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.

Will the City consider proposals that were already in development prior to this Expression of Interest?

Yes. The City is open to a wide range of proposals for both a permanent indoor shelter space and transitional spaces with an outdoor component. We encourage any Indigenous-led organization or government working toward these solutions to participate in this process.

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.

Learn More About the Housing Grant

Resources for Indigenous-led Housing Providers

View Active Sale Listings

Affordable Housing Lands

Search active sale listings for City-owned land intended for affordable or supportive housing.

Apply for Tax Grant

Affordable Housing Tax Grant

Apply to offset municipal property taxes for non-market housing.

City’s Development Process

Learn more about the City’s development process.

Indigenous Relations Office

The City of Edmonton’s Indigenous Relations Office helps build and support good relations between the City, Indigenous Peoples and organizations that serve Indigenous Peoples.

Indigenous Framework

The Indigenous Framework is a living document that provides guidance on how the City can best support and build strong relationships with Indigenous Peoples in Edmonton.

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