When NiGiNan opened its first facility in 2014, 46% of people experiencing houselessness in Edmonton identified as Indigenous, compared to just over 5% of the city’s overall population (source). Ambrose Daniels was one of these people.
Ambrose was born and raised in the Buffalo Lake Metis Settlement 125 km northeast of the city. He was surrounded by a supportive network of community members and worked in his trade until health complications forced him out of work and eventually led him to using substances to cope.
Ambrose made his way to Edmonton to live with a new-found family in an inner-city apartment. There, he showed great generosity in providing a warm place to sleep for those without a home.
His generosity, unfortunately, led to an eventual eviction and subsequent houselessness. Housing was difficult to access as an Indigenous person living with health and substance use issues.
Shelters were nearly always full and his situation led him to contract pneumonia. Without a warm place to rest and recover, he passed away at the age of 54 while living on the streets of Edmonton.
The love and support shown by Ambrose during his time living houseless and his eventual passing inspired the creation of Ambrose Place. Ambrose accepted those that needed a warm place to sleep as a friend and without judgement.
At Ambrose Place, there is no pressure to immediately quit substance use. There is a sense of community that encourages healthy living, which leads to residents choosing healthier habits.
If a facility like Ambrose Place had come to Edmonton sooner; Ambrose, and many more like him, may have been able to survive or could have passed comfortably, feeling loved and at home.