Campbell River will host a workshop to help shape the future of off-reserve housing and homelessness funding initiatives.
The Urban, Rural, and Northern Indigenous Housing Strategy and Reaching Home Initiatives are hosting a series of Indigenous housing engagement workshops, including one at Thunderbird Hall on March 14.
The workshops are designed to bring together Indigenous leaders, community members, and key stakeholders to collaboratively plan the future of making housing more affordable and help fund initiatives to end homelessness.
"These workshops are part of the broader engagement for the URN and Reach Home programs, focusing on addressing off-reserve housing challenges and supporting innovative solutions to homelessness," reads the press release.
The workshops have five aims:
1. Identify Funding Priorities – Explore housing needs, challenges, and opportunities specific to off-reserve Indigenous communities.
2. Engage Communities – Facilitate meaningful dialogue to understand short and long-term goals, ensuring community-driven solutions
3. Develop Strategic Pathways – Collaborate on actionable strategies to optimize the use of URN and Reaching Home funding.
4. Support Vulnerable Populations – Focus on solutions for women, children, elders, youth, and other at-risk groups.
5. Strengthen Partnerships – Build stronger connections between Indigenous communities, organizations, and government partners to address homelessness and housing equity.
"These workshops are open to Indigenous First Nation leaders, housing coordinators, community members, or staff involved in off-reserve housing and homelessness initiatives," reads the press release. "Participants will have the opportunity to share insights, influence funding strategies, and contribute to the development of culturally relevant, sustainable housing solutions."
For people who can't sign up for the in-person workshops, they can get involved in online sessions, interviews and focus groups by calling and contacting their local regional representative (Kelly Bird - kelly.bird@fnhic.ca).
"The workshops aim to address critical issues, including off-reserve housing needs, homelessness prevention, and the development of multi-year fiscal agreements. Participants will engage in meaningful discussions with key stakeholders and community leaders to co-develop strategies that reflect Indigenous values and priorities."
People can register online or by filling out a registration form and emailing it to urn.fnhic.ca or reaching.home@fnihic.ca. The first 50 people to register will receive $100 as a stipend to assist with travel-related expenses.
The workshops begin at 9 a.m. and will end a 3:30 p.m. Snacks and refreshments will be available in the morning and during afternoon breaks. Lunch will be provided.
