Image: Randy Thoms/Acadia Broadcasting, May 3, 2024
The federal government is pumping $280 million to support Indigenous housing projects across the country.
It will help build nearly 3,800 units in total.
About $30 million in funding will go toward five projects in northern Ontario totalling 281 units.
Buildings to receive funding are the Seven Generations Education Institute and Kekekoziibii Development Corporation in Kenora and the Reverend Tommy Beardy Memorial Family Treatment Center in Thunder Bay.
“Indigenous housing providers deserve Indigenous advocacy at the national level. The overwhelming expression of need we received in our application process – totalling $2 billion across 447 applications – demonstrates that the work is far from over –but we’re excited to announce funding that will make a positive impact in the lives of Indigenous peoples from coast to coast to coast.” said John Gordon, Chief Executive Officer, National Indigenous Collaborative Housing Incorporated
A housing crisis continues to rise within the Indigenous community.
Over 171,000 Indigenous Peoples in areas off reserve are in core housing need, according to the 2021 Census.
“With thousands of years of collective experience, urban, rural, and northern Indigenous housing providers have the capacity, know-how, and shovel-ready projects to address the challenge. NICHI has shown that it can deliver funding programs swiftly, fairly, and responsibly,” said Margaret Pfoh President of the Canadian Housing and Renewal Association.