NEWS RELEASE: NiGiNan and Right At Home open 42 permanent, supportive housing units

September 28, 2020 (Edmonton, AB) - A new, Indigenous-led housing initiative will provide homes to people who are level one AISH recipients or on income support who are unable to find adequate housing.
 

“NiGiNan exists to serve people in need by providing affordable and permanent supportive housing in Edmonton,” said Carola Cunningham, CEO of NiGiNan Housing Ventures. “With this project, the Right At Home Housing Society stepped into a partnership with NiGiNan and demonstrated true allyship. Together, we are making headway on reconcilACTION in the housing sector.” 

The 42 unit, affordable housing project in Belvedere is a partnership between NiGiNan Housing Ventures and the Right At Home Housing Society. Previously, NiGiNan was running a re-housing program out of the Transit Hotel, the partnered organizations are now working to house some of those same people NiGiNan served in the area.

“Right at Home and our partner Niginan Housing Ventures are thankful for the funding and operational support from the federal, provincial and municipal governments. Permanent Supportive Housing is an investment in people and community. This new building in Northeast Edmonton will bring dignity, safety and greater health outcomes to those who are most vulnerable in our community," said Stuart Kehrig, chairman of the board of directors for the Right At Home Housing Society.   

Belvedere tenants will have access to a myriad of services including resident Indigenous Elders, 24 hour support staff, and a housing support worker provided by the partnering agencies.

“Every Canadian deserves a safe and affordable place to call home.  With today’s announcement 42 families will have homes near the services they need.  This is a great example of the National Housing Strategy at work,” said Ahmed Hussen, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development and the Minister responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC).

The Government of Canada and the Government of Alberta jointly contributed $6 million to fund the project. 

“I am pleased to see the new housing project open its doors. These apartments will give those most in need access to a stable home with supports to help them get back on their feet. Through this project, Alberta’s government is delivering on its commitment to address the need for more permanent supportive housing.” Josephine Pon, Minister of Seniors and Housing.

The City of Edmonton provided $3 million through their Cornerstone grant to ensure Edmonton’s most vulnerable have a place to call home.

“Increasing the supply of permanent supportive housing is a key priority for the City as housing like this is an essential element in ending homelessness and poverty. I’m glad that this housing complex will provide Edmontonians who are struggling with a safe place to call home and the safety and support they need to lead healthy and connected lives, " said Don Iveson, Mayor, City of Edmonton

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About The Right At Home Housing Society

The Right At Home Housing Society builds and manages high quality affordable housing to meet the needs of our community. The Society provides positive alternatives for those currently without a home, living in substandard accommodation, or spending a disproportionate amount of their income on housing. A range of supportive services are also provided to our residents including mentor and peer support.

About NiGiNan Housing Ventures

NiGiNan Housing Ventures is a registered charity that was formed to address the particular needs and requirements of Indigenous People living in Edmonton. NiGiNan is dedicated to providing supportive affordable housing opportunities for individuals and families of Indigenous ancestry, who have not been successfully served by any other organization in Edmonton.

NiGiNan's first development, Ambrose Place, is one of the most successful programs and housing complexes for Edmonton's formerly hardest to house Indigenous persons.

Ambrose Daniels’ legacy lives on through Ambrose Place

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 became unhoused. 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 unhoused 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.