"Star House"

Brantford Native Housing ("BNH") and the Brantford Aboriginal Homelessness Alliance ("BAHA") commissioned a detailed study in September of 2004 which established that aboriginal homelessness is particularly prevalent in the city of Brantford and Brant County, and which in turn noted the pressing need for, and established the feasibility of, developing a unique Aboriginal Transitional facility to effectively address the problem. The study also identified potential users of such a facility, illustrated the gaps in the existing homeless and housing support system in Brantford, and estimated capital, operating, and maintenance costs for administering such a transitional home.

In response to the Aboriginal Transitional Housing Project Feasibility Study and the problems noted therein, BNH developed a 14-bed Aboriginal Transitional Home, geared toward helping single women and single women with children. The facility was named Ojistoh House to pay homage to the Skywoman Creation Story. In many versions of the Iroquoian story, Skywoman fell from the Pleiades star cluster where her husband remained. As she descended on this planet she was met by birds who helped her landing on to a turtles back which became North America and where she began human life. In a sense women coming to Ojistoh (Star) House parallel Skywoman's journey, in that as life givers, they are beginning their transition to better days.

The Ojistoh House is available to those in need for a period not exceeding one year, and provides comprehensive programming aimed at addressing the root causes behind the individual issues that contributed to residents' homelessness or at risk state. Programming is based upon the experience of intergenerational affects of the Residential School System. The programming "Saw^nisliyoste " (Oneida phrase for Better Day Coming) emphasizes respect for the individual, re-creation of the person, and development of a sense of self-worth and self-esteem through cultural revitalization. The programming is implemented through cultural workshops, life skills training seminars, and traditional teaching classes. A case management model is used in order to link individuals with other services in the community that may also be appropriate to their needs.

Not only does the Ojistoh House fill the glaring gap that currently exists for homeless aboriginal single women/single women with children, but it is also more effective than existing facilities at preventing relapses into homelessness. For instance, existing facilities in Brant/Brantford have limits on the maximum stay, ranging from 42 days to three months. Often persons in such facilities are not able to find affordable housing and establish and maintain their household within such a limited timeframe. They thus inevitably become homeless again without the necessary supports. The Ojistoh House addresses this need, providing safe and secure accommodation for longer periods, with additional supports during the stay that help residents get back on their feet and help ensure they stay on their feet, whether it be help with employment, education, addiction, abuse, domestic violence, or self-esteem.

In addition, in order to nurture wellness and maintain a balance between body, mind, and spirit, the Ojistoh House and its services are based upon the Aboriginal medicine wheel, with all of the elements of the life cycle considered - an wholistic approach (physical, mental, emotional and spiritual). The individual, family, and community are inseparable and Aboriginal continuum of care incorporates community based approaches to providing culturally appropriate programs and services for Aboriginal people and their families. The Medicine Wheel is based on a continuum of care, which encompasses promotion, prevention, crisis intervention, curative (includes palliative care, treatment), rehabilitation, promotion of stability, training, and supportive resources.