Our Transitional Housing Programs
The transitional housing programs are offered through Brantford Native Housing. This program is available to Indigenous men, women, and families who are experiencing homelessness or at-risk of homelessness. Residents can stay in the transitional housing program for up to one (1) year.
About Men’s Transitional Housing (Karahkwa House)
Brantford Native Housing 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 program offers to Indigenous men, safe, supportive housing and a culture-based learning environment to develop the skills they need to succeed as strong, confident and self-sufficient men in the broader urban environment. The transitional housing program provides accommodation for 4 residents in self-contained units. Upon starting the program there is a mandatory Life Skills course. There is a gathering place, and a sweat lodge available for the residents’ use. Residents may participate in the program for up to one year and are expected to actively work with staff toward achieving the goals identified in their personal care plan.
About Women’s Transitional Housing (Ojistoh House)
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.
Ojistoh House is Brantford Native Housing’s transitional home for Indigenous women who are motivated to begin their journey toward balance. At least 50% of the family (female applicants bringing children) must be of Indigenous ancestry. This community-based healing house offers programs and supports in an environment of safety, healing, and togetherness. The main objective of programming and living at Ojistoh House is addressing intergenerational trauma, root causes of domestic violence, and chronic homelessness. With the goal of reducing recidivism, the programs’ healing practice is anchored in traditional cultural supports and one-on-one case management, including counselling, and life-skills development. Brantford Native Housing encourages participants to identify and achieve their personal goals. This is done by providing wrap-around services that include planning for the transition to independent living, education regarding affordable housing support services, financial supports, and aftercare programming. Since launching Ojistoh House in 2007, we have celebrated a number of successful graduations. Brantford Native Housing is privileged to maintain a strong supportive relationship within our sisterhood. Graduates leave strengthened by community and a sense of belonging that continues long after they have graduated.
About Family Transitional Housing (Ode haot House)
Brantford Native Housing family transitional housing units offers accommodation to families who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. All services and supports are geared towards assisting families in achieving sustainable housing and greater stability in the community. Brantford Native Housing staff recognizes that each family has unique needs and strengths. All of our services support families in building on those strengths to achieve their short- and longer-term goals. Brantford Native Housing Staff work closely with families to help them identify and access the resources required to find housing and build effective support networks that will enhance their quality of life in our community. In our family housing facility, BNH offers a full range of supports including emergency food and clothing, housing assistance, supportive counseling, advocacy, and referral to community services are available. The family transitional house offers private, accessible, family accommodation in the form of self-contained bachelor units, 1-, and 2-bedroom units. Each unit has a private kitchen, washroom, living/dining room and bedroom(s) and washer and dryers.
Ehnita House - Youth Women Program
Our youth transitional housing program provides safe and affordable housing for Indigenous women from the ages of 18 to 24. The transitional housing program is communal living and can support up to 6 clients at a time. The program is designed to support youth on their journey to adulthood by introducing them to life and social skills that will prepare them for future independence. The program offers one-to-one case management to determine goals, areas of need and planning for the future, while also providing the appropriate cultural and spiritual support.
In Need of Transitional Housing?
