Progress Underway on BNH’s West Street Development
We are excited to share that construction is underway on our new West Street housing development. Once complete, this project will provide 18 affordable units designed for Indigenous families, seniors, and individuals living with disabilities, all offered at below-market rent.
The development will feature a mix of one and two-bedroom units, along with office space, indoor and outdoor programming areas, green space, and a traditional medicine garden. It aims to create safe, inclusive environment where residents can live, connect, and grow in community. The facility has been designed with an Indigenous lens and worked carefully to ensure inclusivity and accessibility wherever possible.
This project reflects our ongoing commitment to providing safe, affordable, and culturally supportive housing for Indigenous populations in the Brantford community. Stay tuned for more updates as construction continues.
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.
