Dealing effectively with aboriginal homelessness in Toronto

The purpose of the research was to identify the most effective ways of expending funding available to deal with Aboriginal homelessness in Toronto for the year 2008, under the federal Homeless Partnership Initiative. [...] Those listed were: • Native Women’s Resource Centre • Miziwe Biik • West Hill Food Bank services • The Native Canadian Centre • AHT • Anduhyaun • Aboriginal Legal Services • Native Child and Family Services • Council Fire • John Howard • Eva’s Phoenix • YWCA • The bail program and Native courts diversion program • NaMeRes • Tumivut • Anger management programs • Drum circles • Sessions with elders [...] There is widespread agreement that the main challenges currently facing homeless Aboriginals and those at risk of soon becoming homeless are: • Lack of appropriate and affordable housing, particularly transitional housing with a high level of supports to overcome the day-to-day exigencies of life in the city • Low levels of education and skills training • Insufficient opportunities to become invol [...] The suggested mix in terms of expenditure of the available funds took into account the need both for housing and the range of support initiatives that are necessary if those who occupy such housing are to be able to maintain their housing status and to succeed in urban life. [...] The majority of respondents stressed the importance of investing in transitional housing with a strong presence of support services, particularly since there is evidence that this appears to be the most effective approach in getting and keeping Aboriginal homeless people off the margins and into successful ways of living in the city.