The Government of Canada recognized the housing 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 141 units in the City of Brantford, and our waiting list is composed of many households in need. Today, we have more than 200 applicants waiting for housing; having to wait up to 5 years to be housed. Most of the units are single family houses.
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. Rents are subsidized to 25% of combined family income.
This link wil provide you with a BNH Application
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. Rents are subsidized to 30% of combined family income.
This link wil provide you with a BATH Application
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, 2 Triplexes and 1 single family home). Municipal Rent Supplement Agreements allow subsidy allowances.
This link wil provide you with a BATH Application
We manage 31 units for Ontario Aboriginal Housing Support Services Corporation (OAHSS) which is open to any low income family living outside Brantford and in the counties of Brant and Haldimand-Norfolk.(except First Nations Territories) Rents and Mortgages are subsidized.
This link wil provide you with an RNH Application
The Housing Outreach Worker is responsible for assisting Aboriginal residents/tenants/clients to maintain their existing housing and will assist residents of transitional housing to find their own home in the community. The Outreach Worker will assist clients to access community services and implement programs and services for clients who are homeless or at-risk of homelessness such as an emergency food voucher program, winter coat exchange, etc. The Outreach Worker will also promote Brantford Native Housing programs and services at local community events.
BNH developed a 14-bed transitional home known as Ojistoh House. Ojistoh House is for Aboriginal women with or without children who are experiencing homelessness or at-risk of homelessness. Women with Aboriginal children in their custody would benefit from the program as well. Ojistoh House operates using two (2) streams. The Healing Journey stream allows women to stay for up to one (1) year while focusing on their own healing goals. Residential programming is scheduling based on individual plans of care. The Home Search stream allows women to stay for up to six (6) weeks while focusing on find their own home in the community.
BNH developed a 4-bed transitional home known as Karahkwa House. Karahkwa House is for Aboriginal men in recovery from alcohol or drug use and can stay for up to one (1) year while learning how to maintain their sobriety.
This link wil provide you with a Karahkwa House Application
This housing program is designed, delivered and administered by and for Aboriginal people living off-reserve in urban and rural communities across Ontario and is funded by the Ontario Aboriginal Housing Support Services Corporation. The target population for housing delivered under the FIMUR program is Aboriginal individuals or families with low- to moderate-income, or those in core housing need. This program offers both Affordable and Market Rent units.