Understanding First Nations Housing and Homelessness Challenges
The Assembly of First Nations (AFN) has undertaken a comprehensive systems mapping initiative to assess on-reserve and off-reserve housing and homelessness services across Canada. This report, developed in partnership with HelpSeeker, highlights critical gaps in housing infrastructure, barriers to accessing services, and systemic challenges affecting First Nations communities.
With housing shortages, long waitlists, and hidden homelessness widespread on reserves, this report presents data-driven insights, community engagement findings, and strategic recommendations to inform the development of a national First Nations homelessness strategy.
Key Findings: Housing and Homelessness in First Nations Communities
1. Housing Waitlists Are Growing, Leading to Hidden Homelessness
- Waitlists for on-reserve housing range from 3 to 12 years, with some extending beyond a decade.
- Overcrowding is a universal challenge, with multiple families often sharing single dwellings.
- Hidden homelessness (couch surfing, informal living arrangements) is widespread, making it difficult to measure true homelessness rates.
2. Lack of Shelters and Transitional Housing on Reserves
- Only 16 of the 293 mapped on-reserve services included shelters, highlighting a severe lack of emergency housing options.
- Many First Nations rely on off-reserve shelters in nearby urban centers, creating additional transportation and accessibility barriers.
- Several shelters on reserves have been repurposed for COVID-19 isolation, further reducing available emergency housing.
3. Systemic Barriers Prevent Access to Housing Services
- Limited funding and bureaucratic hurdles prevent the construction of new housing units.
- Lack of clear data on First Nations homelessness results in underfunding and inadequate policy responses.
- Many First Nations lack formalized referral systems for community members seeking housing or homelessness services.
4. Off-Reserve First Nations Members Face Discrimination and Service Gaps
- Many First Nations do not provide services for off-reserve members, creating challenges for those seeking housing outside their home communities.
- First Nations members report racism and discrimination when trying to access municipal housing and social services.
- Only 4% of Indigenous-serving off-reserve housing services are First Nations-led, highlighting the need for greater First Nations control over housing programs.
Strategic Recommendations for a First Nations Housing and Homelessness Strategy
1. Dedicated Funding for First Nations Housing & Homelessness Services
- Establish a First Nations-specific funding stream under the federal Reaching Home program.
- Enable First Nations to administer their own housing and homelessness funding, reducing reliance on non-Indigenous service providers.
- Increase funding for on-reserve emergency shelters, transitional housing, and permanent supportive housing.
2. Implement a National First Nations Homelessness Data Strategy
- Develop a First Nations-specific Point-in-Time (PiT) Count to measure hidden and visible homelessness in First Nations communities.
- Align data collection with OCAP® principles, ensuring First Nations have ownership, control, access, and possession of their data.
- Strengthen data-sharing agreements between First Nations, urban Indigenous organizations, and federal agencies.
3. Improve Systems Planning & Integration Between On-Reserve and Off-Reserve Services
- Strengthen collaboration between First Nations and municipalities to improve housing and service access for off-reserve members.
- Establish Indigenous-led coordinated access systems for housing and homelessness services.
- Improve transportation supports for First Nations members accessing off-reserve housing services.
4. Expand and Support Culturally Safe Housing and Shelter Services
- Increase funding for on-reserve housing construction to reduce waitlists and overcrowding.
- Develop culturally appropriate transitional and emergency housing with First Nations leadership.
- Enhance wraparound supports for First Nations members experiencing homelessness, including mental health, addiction, and employment services.
Conclusion: A Path Forward for First Nations Housing & Homelessness Solutions
This report underscores the urgent need for a dedicated First Nations housing and homelessness strategy that respects First Nations self-determination and data sovereignty. Addressing housing and homelessness in First Nations communities requires a shift from reactive crisis management to proactive, Indigenous-led systems planning.
By implementing dedicated funding, improved data collection, service integration, and culturally safe housing solutions, Canada can take meaningful steps toward reducing and ultimately eliminating First Nations homelessness.
For a detailed analysis of housing trends, service gaps, and policy recommendations, read the full AFN Systems Mapping Report (2024).
Read Full Report:
https://hubs.ly/Q02lJLBw0
