Overcrowding, dilapidated housing and general unaffordability are issues faced daily by many of Canada’s Aboriginal families, especially those living on settlements and reserves, where it’s been suggested that 49% of existing housing is in need of repair, and an additional 85,000 housing units are required to address the current supply shortage.

Giving Aboriginal Families a 'Hand Up'

With the support of the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), we launched our Aboriginal Housing Program in 2007 to better understand the distinct housing challenges faced by Aboriginal Canadians, while providing housing solutions for families in communities across Canada.

As the program has grown, the impact that the Habitat affordable homeownership model can have on families and the communities they live in has become increasingly evident, but so has the immense housing need that this portion of the Canadian population is faced by. So, we’re more determined than ever to build partnerships, and build homes, for Aboriginal families in need.

A Habitat-MCHC home currently being reconstructed for an Aboriginal family

Rather than decreasing the housing stock available to Aboriginal families, this solution offered these families with the long-term benefits and pride that come with homeownership.

Habitat for Humanity Edmonton and MCHC expect to complete five homes annually under this partnership, using families’ mortgage payments to cover the cost of the continued revitalization.

 In Aboriginal Communities - Aboriginal peoples have a deep spiritual, physical, social and cultural connection to their land, so building homes within Aboriginal communities must be undertaken with vast support from the community.

Working closely with the Champagne & Aishihik First Nations near Whitehorse, Habitat for Humanity Yukon is planning to provide up to three housing units for low-income Aboriginal families with construction starting as early as this summer. With First Nations Chief James Allen having expressed his and his community’s support of the project, our National Leadership Council has set out to raise the $500,000 required to build the homes. Once the funds are raised, National Leadership Council members, along with Habitat for Humanity Yukon volunteers and the Champagne & Aishihik First Nations will construct the homes for low-income families identified by the community and that meet Habitat’s normal partner family selection criteria.

Into the Future - Projects like these are happening, and increasingly, across Canada. But the key to our success is partnership and collaboration. If your community would like to partner with Habitat's Aboriginal Housing Program, or your organization would like to support the program, please contact Jayshree Thakar, National Manager, Aboriginal Housing Program, at (613) 748-2437 or  jthakar@habitat.ca.