Source:
https://www.uvic.ca/research/centres/youthsociety/assets/docs/briefs/youth-transitional-housing-research-brief.pdf
Treaty 2 Territory – on Monday September 30th, 2019, FNT2T Collective Economic Development Circle Keeper, Ryan Sutherland, under the mandate of the Treaty 2 Territory Secretariats, submitted a Transitional Home Project Proposal for each FNT2T Member Nation under Indigenous Services Canada Community Well-Being and Jurisdiction Initiative
Transitional housing will be used as a direct transition from foster care, as a necessary intervention solution. Youth are already experiencing homelessness, and as a proactive measure with youth facing housing instability or an imminent risk of homelessness and vulnerability. Transitional housing is most effective when implemented proactively.
Transitional housing will be part of a collaborative and continuity system of care that involves local controlled programs and services, government and social services, the justice program, mental health support services, and parents and/or guardians when appropriate.
Development of programs that will enhance personal growth, professional skills, life skills and parenting skills.
Land and Culturally Based Teachings is one example of the type of programing that will be implemented through the Transitional Home. Support workers will take youth out on the land teaching about natural foods and medicines, while incorporating indigenous language. This will encourage critical thought through interaction with the land, and understanding of nature and its relation to science, while connecting with and celebrating Indigenous culture.
Other types of programing will include, sports and recreation, arts and culture, cooking healthy foods, diet and nutrition, life skills, employment skills, shopping, budgeting, etc.
Transitional housing can only be effective in the long term if there are community options for affordable, independent living at the onset and for youth to access after they leave the program and if youth have external, supportive relationships. Existing housing shortages are not equipped to address these housing requirements.
Long-term affordable housing is the goal in supporting the full transition over to independent living, along with on-going support services to gain confidence living independently.
- Health programs will support and assist in the development, implementation, and evaluations of the Transitional Housing Model, such as Building Health Communities – Mental Health and Substance Abuse, National Native Alcohol and Drug Abuse Program, Brighter Futures, Aboriginal Diabetes Initiative Program, and Jordan’s Principle Program. West Region Child Family Services and West Region Tribal Health will be asked to provide assistance in this process.
- Employment and Training will develop employability skills and provide on-going training opportunities through the resource center.
- Tribal Council Child Family Services and Tribal Council Health will continue to facilitate regular support services related to their ongoing programing.
- While Transition House is being built, a delivery model will be developed, and support programs will begin at various locations at each FNT2T Member Nation.
Additional Resources:
https://www.homelesshub.ca/toolkit/youth-transitional-housing-toolkit
Last modified: October 5, 2019
