A new housing support program will help Indigenous youths and young adults successfully transition into living independently. It will be more than just space and rent support. Financial literacy, life-skills programs and cultural supports will also be part of this new initiative.
Carrier Sekani Family Services (CSFS), in partnership with BC Housing, Nezul Be Hunuyeh Child and Family Services (NBH) and the Prince George Native Friendship Centre (PGNFC), have opened a new housing project to create prevention housing for youth and young adults.
Eligible clients are between the ages of 16 and 26, and either in-care or having been in-care (known as “post majority” clients).
The new home for young people has been named “Nenanute K’et” (Neh-NAH-noo-tay ket), “Our Place to Dream”.
“Many young people, as they age out of full support services, remain ill-equipped to face the challenges of independent living and for many reasons have difficulty accessing secure and stable options in the current housing market,” says Mary Teegee, CSFS executive director of child and family services. “This housing project will ease their transition and help them build their life-skills in a safe and supportive environment where they have the peace and place to lay their heads and dream.”
This first-of-its-kind housing project creates a safe and nurturing environment that empowers Indigenous young people while fostering shared responsibility and traditional practices.
“Indigenous youth and young adults who have been in care, search for who they are and where they come from…. looking for a place where they belong. Resources are needed to empower our young people to be strong and proud of their culture regardless of age” states Cindy Ghostkeeper, executive director of Nezul Be Hunuyeh Child & Family Services. “This project will provide a safe space where they can learn the skills needed to live independently, receive teachings and support from elders, knowledge keepers and community.”
Costs for rent and ongoing living expenses will be managed by the young adult and through the agreements for young adults provided through delegated Child & Family Service agencies (CSFS, NBH).
BC Housing has one building with 10 units available for post-majority youth and young adults.
A second building will be available once the current occupants have vacated the building.
“BC Housing is proud to support an important project like this one, which will create a safe and nurturing environment for young Indigenous people,” said Malachy Tohill, regional director, North region, BC Housing. “By supplying the building for this project at a nominal lease, BC Housing is helping establish the foundation for a program that will allow Indigenous youth in care and aging out of care to grow from the strong roots created by Carrier Sekani Family Services and partners.”
Eligible applicants will be reviewed and prioritized by a committee of representatives from NBH and CSFS.
“The Prince George Native Friendship Centre wholeheartedly embraces this process of community-led solutions to provide Indigenous young people with safe, affordable and culturally appropriate housing. There is an extremely high number of young people ages 19-26 who are in dire need of housing as they age out of care, this unique housing model will offer immeasurable stability and support to the complex needs and uncertainties facing our young people in Prince George, ” says Barb Ward-Burkitt, executive director of the Prince George Native Friendship Centre. “We envision a living environment for young people that promotes community interdependence that will lead to self sufficiency and successful transitions to living and contributing to our community in a healthy manner.”
