Brantford Native Housing

Brantford Native Housing was founded in 1986 as non-profit Charitable organization which works to provide housing for people of Native ancestry who are of low income. Statistics point out the numerous socio-economic problems facing Native people. One of these problems most certainly, is the fact that many live in substandard housing at unaffordable rents, and so often have to put up with landlords that are intimidating and insensitive to their needs.

The Board firmly believes in basic human rights and establishes policies on the following principles:

1. Access to safe, affordable and secure place to live in peace and dignity.

2. Freedom from discrimination based on level of income, gender, disability, race, ethnicity, creed, age, family status, marital status, sexual orientation, presence of children, receipt of public assistance, citizenship, employment status or social condition.

3. Secure tenure, establishing the right of all people to a home and to a safe and healthy environment; preventing eviction for convenience, profit or as a means of punishment; stopping economic eviction by unpredictable and unaffordable rent increases, or eviction by violence or harassment; recognizing the rights of women, children and others to maintain their homes free from violence and especially the rights of Aboriginal communities their culture and traditions.

4. Community services for health, work, income, transportation, childcare and education.

5. Resources for Aboriginal groups and individuals, including financial, legal, political and organizational support.

Portfolio Description:

From the hard of work of Federal and Provincial Native organizations, the Government of Canada recognized this problem and through Section 56.1 of the National Housing Act provided us with a vehicle with which we have begun to meet the serious housing needs of Native people who for various reasons, cannot find acceptable housing. As well we provide a human element in the Landlord/Tenant relationship because as a native, locally based organization, we are extremely sensitive to the needs of the people we house.

To date we own and manage 119 units, and our waiting list is composed of many households in need. Most of the units are single family houses. Because Brantford Native Housing is not dealing with multi-unit buildings at this time, we are in a position to add units to our portfolio each year, while administering the houses already occupied.

1. We own and operate 85 units through Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation's (CMHC) Urban Native Housing Program. Native ancestry means Status, Non-status, Metis and Inuit. At least 50% of the family must be of Native ancestry.

2. We own and operate 20 units through The Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing. Tenants are selected from the City's Co-ordinated Access System who meet program criteria for assisted housing and our mandate of Native ancestry.

3. We manage 38 units for CMHC's Rural and Native Housing Program which is open to any low income family living outside Brantford and in the counties of Brant and Haldimand-Norfolk.(except Reserves)

4. We are CMHC's Agent for the delivery of the Residential Rehabilitation Assistance Program which assists low income homeowners to bring their homes up to standard for Brant, Haldimand/Norfolk and Niagara .

Even though Federal and Provincial Housing development funding for new housing stopped in 1993 and 1995 respectively, Brantford Native Housing has continued to address the affordable housing needs of the Native community. Since 1998, Brantford Native Housing was successful in developing 14 more units (4 one bedroom apartments, 8 two bedroom apartments and 1 single family home).

Brantford Native Housing Facts

Brantford Native Housing is a non-profit Charitable Corporation whose main objective is to provide safe, secure, and affordable rental homes for Urban Natives living in the city of Brantford . B.N.H offers housing to Status, Non-Status, Metis and Inuit families of low income.

To be eligible for housing a minimum of 50% of all family members must be of Native Ancestry

Three Housing Programs allow B.N.H. to provide subsidized rental units. The subsidies allow tenants to pay approximately 25% or 30% of their earned gross income depending on the housing program for a fully serviced unit, excluding Public Utility Costs.

All applications and information are kept confidential.

B.N.H. presently has a housing portfolio of 119 homes, which are scattered, throughout the City of Brantford .

How to Apply?

•  An application is submitted to the Office.

•  Your confidential information is entered on to our chronological waiting list. You must remain in contact with our office once every six months.

•  Once your name appears near the top of the Waiting List, you will be contacted for an interview where Native Ancestry, Income Verification, and rental history is determined.

•  Landlord checks and rent calculations will be completed.

•  Once your application is approved, you will be notified when a suitable unit becomes available.

Office Hours

Monday to Thursday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Closed from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m. daily

Please send any comments or requests for information to bnh86@rogers.com