Approximately $103 million has been earmarked for new development and ongoing operational support
The federal government has announced a combined investment of up to $103 million for the construction and ongoing operational support of new shelter and transitional units in 21 Indigenous communities across Canada, CMHC has reported.
Of this sum, approximately $81 million will come from CMHC for the construction of 178 new units, while $15 million from ISC will be for ongoing operational support and $7.8 million from the same organization will be for supporting start-up costs for operations.
This funding will specifically address the urgent need for new housing for First Nations, Inuit, and Métis who are experiencing family and gender-based violence, CMHC said.
“The shelters and transitional homes will be located on reserve, in the North, and in urban areas, and will offer survivors a stable environment when they need it most,” CMHC elaborated. “These projects will be Indigenous-led and will offer access to support programming to help survivors of family and gender-based violence access culturally appropriate services to recover from the trauma of their experiences.”
“Shelters and transition homes play a crucial role in providing a safe space and stability for those fleeing violence, and access to essential community services,” added Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indigenous Services. “’With this investment announced … by the Federal Government, 178 new Indigenous shelter and transitional housing units will be available through 22 projects in 21 communities.”
“This is just one action of many needed, as we must do more and do more faster to end the national crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQI+ people, and undoing generational harms.”
