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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.
The City’s 2023 Housing Needs Assessment identified a significant and growing housing need that disproportionately affects Indigenous households. About 5% of Edmonton's population is Indigenous, while between 55 and 65% of those 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 2023-26 Affordable Housing Strategy incorporates recommendations for how to prioritize and incentivize Indigenous-led affordable housing that were 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 exploring options with Indigenous-led organizations and governments around opportunities for a non-congregate emergency 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 are able 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.
In addition, the City is working with Indigenous-led organizations and 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.
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.
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.
The Affordable Housing Investment Program provides limited grant funding to eligible non-profit and private sector entities to encourage affordable housing development.
AHIP includes a grant stream specifically for Indigenous-led housing providers. It provides limited capital funding to Indigenous organizations to build new affordable housing units and/or rehabilitate existing affordable housing units.
The City provides up to 25% of total capital costs for affordable housing. Grants of up to 40% will be considered for proposals that include deep subsidies for priority groups, such as women and children fleeing domestic violence, exceed energy efficiency targets, and provide larger units..
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
| Phone | 311 |
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