Progress Underway on BNH’s West Street Development
Construction is continuing to move forward at our West Street development, and we’re excited to share a few photos of the progress taking place on site!
The project is taking shape as Paulsan and crews continue working through the structural stages of construction. The concrete foundation and walls are now clearly in place, with framing and floor systems progressing above. These important stages are helping bring the vision for this development to life, one step at a time.
Seeing the structure begin to rise is an exciting milestone. What was once an empty site is becoming a new space that will provide much needed housing and contribute to the growth and wellbeing of our community.
We’re grateful to the dedicated contractors, tradespeople, project partners, and everyone working behind the scenes to keep this important project moving forward.
We look forward to sharing more updates as construction continues and we watch the West Street development take shape. There’s still lots of work ahead, but we’re excited to see the progress and the possibilities ahead!
We can’t wait to fill these homes!
The Expansion of Ojistoh House
On July 17, 2026, we proudly celebrated the official groundbreaking for the expansion of Ojistoh House, marking an important milestone in our commitment to providing safe, culturally supportive housing for Indigenous people in our community.
The groundbreaking ceremony brought together Elders, community members, government representatives, funding partners, and supporters to celebrate a shared vision of hope, healing, and brighter futures. It was a powerful reminder that meaningful change happens when communities come together with a common purpose.
In Cayuga, Ojistoh means “bright star.” During the ceremony, our Executive Director, Alma Arguello, reflected on the significance of the day by sharing, “Today I can see proof of life that we have many bright stars here today.” Looking around at the people gathered to celebrate, it was clear that every partnership and every person involved has helped make this project possible.
For more than 20 years, Ojistoh House has provided supportive housing for Indigenous women and women with children, creating a safe place where families can heal, rebuild, and move forward with dignity. This expansion represents the next chapter in that legacy.
Once complete, the project will increase Ojistoh House from four units to twelve, significantly expanding our ability to support Indigenous women, children, youth, gender-diverse, and Two-Spirit individuals who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness, violence, and housing insecurity. The expanded development has been thoughtfully designed to provide not only housing but also a safe, welcoming environment where culture, healing, and community are at the heart of every resident’s journey.
One speaker at the groundbreaking shared a powerful reflection that captured the importance of this work:
“Because of Brantford Native Housing I didn’t have to choose between opportunity and belonging. I had both.”
These words speak to the lasting impact that safe, affordable, and culturally grounded housing can have on individuals and families.
This project would not be possible without the support and collaboration of our many partners. As Ana Bailão noted during the ceremony, “The need is great, and it’s effective when we partner with agencies like Brantford Native Housing.” Together, governments, Indigenous organizations, and community partners are demonstrating what can be achieved through collaboration and a shared commitment to reconciliation and housing equity.
With construction beginning this summer, we are excited to watch this vision become a reality and look forward to welcoming future residents to a space built on dignity, safety, healing, and hope.
To everyone who has supported Ojistoh House throughout this journey and to those who joined us to celebrate this important milestone. Together, we are building more than housing, we are creating brighter futures, stronger communities, and a place where every bright star has the opportunity to shine.
