NICHI announces British Columbia recipients of funding to advance critical Indigenous housing projects in urban, rural and northern areas and address urgent and unmet needs
Summary
SURREY, UNCEDED TERRITORY OF COAST SALISH PEOPLES, BC, Nov. 28, 2024 /CNW/ - Today, National Indigenous Collaborative Housing Incorporated (NICHI) Chief Executive Officer John Gordon and Minister of Indigenous Services and Minister responsible for FedNor, Patty Hajdu, announced the recipients of NICHIs expression of need process to address the critical need for safe and affordable urban, rural and northern Indigenous housing projects in British Columbia.Todays announcement includes close to $26.8 million in funding for 16 projects in British Columbia led by:Through the national process, $277.8 million out of a total funding amount of $281.5 million is being distributed to 75 projects across the country aimed at building more than 3800 units. This funding initiative is part of the Government of Canadas commitment to address the social determinants of health and advance self-determination in alignment with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Articles 21 and 23. While these projects are a step in the right direction, much more remains to be done to truly meet the scale of the housing crisis that Indigenous Peoples face in urban, rural, and northern areas of Canada. This federal funding, as provided through NICHI, will help AHMA members continue the important work of offering trauma-informed and culturally supportive housing and services for Indigenous Peoples living in urban environments. Support for projects will include funding for acquisitions of new properties and buildings, construction of new facilities, repairs and renovations, housing-related training, growing organizational capacity and administration costs.