Aboriginal community
Edmonton’s urban Aboriginal community was well represented at a sharing circle hosted by the Wicihitowin Housing Action Centre in July.
Dave Ward is the urban Aboriginal community coordinator for the Wicihitowin Secretariat. He says participants in the Aboriginal consultations valued the opportunity to provide input.
“It was great for us to come together to address issues and express our views, and I think it is really a demonstration of the determination and willingness of our community to work together with others towards solutions.”
He says the issue of homelessness cannot be solved by one sector or group on its own and that continued dialogue with the community, 3 orders of government, and service providers will lead to creative solutions down the road.
“We all have a shared responsibility and we can’t let these issues get bogged down in one sector,” says Ward. “The real challenge as we move forward is to be patient with one another as we continue in our partnerships and work together to truly address the issues in a more holistic manner.”
How can Housing First work best?
During the Aboriginal consultation, discussion around the Housing First concept resulted in some concrete ideas for consideration.
- Look at the Portland, Oregon project. It comes with a harm reduction program, a doctor, social worker, etc.
- We need to get to know people before we house them.
- We need to ensure that the funding is guaranteed for housing and support services.
- What would work best is mixed facilities for families and singles.
- Co-ops are good as they generate responsibility
- Opportunity and flexibility is needed for gatherings and group ceremony.
- There needs to be flexibility for visitors, for example, so the family is able to stay for longer period of time.
- Aboriginal people need to be their own landlords. Existing Aboriginal landlords need to be approached to landlord their own.
- Help people find out who their families are.
- Genealogy.