Province announces $550 Million to Indigenous Organizations and First Nations as part of Building BC: Indigenous Housing Fund

Press Release

Prince George, British Columbia – It was announced this morning by the Aboriginal Housing Management Association and the Provincial Government of British Columbia that $550 million will be released into the BC: Indigenous Housing Fund. The fund will be open to Indigenous organizations and First Nations to build 1,750 units of social housing in Urban, Rural and Northern regions. It is the first-time in the history of British Columbia that funding is being provided by the provincial government to all Indigenous Peoples regardless of location, on or off reserve.

In a statement released today by the Aboriginal Housing Management Association (AHMA), Margaret Pfoh, Chief Executive Officer said “We applaud the governments initiative to not only speak of Truth and Reconciliation but to break down these judicial barriers that have divided us as Indigenous Peoples by including housing for our peoples wherever they are. As the leading Aboriginal housing authority nationally, we are excited to work directly with the Provincial Government to lead the change for our Indigenous communities. “

With a vision of reducing homelessness and introducing impactful housing opportunities for Indigenous communities, BC Housing made progressive steps towards a meaningful partnership by including AHMAs input into this initiative. “It is rewarding to see AHMA’s grassroots knowledge has influenced how government will be allocating funds towards Indigenous housing projects. The proposal call has included our input to ensure projects respect local Indigenous culture and support the Truth and Reconciliation calls for action.” Said David Silva, Director of Asset Strategies.

Request for Proposals were also issued this morning to invite housing partners to create new, affordable rental housing for Indigenous people across the province of British Columbia. Eligible applicants will include: Indigenous non-profit housing providers, First Nations, Metis Nation BC, non-profit and for-profit developers wanting to partner with Indigenous housing providers and First Nations.

“Housing has been a chronic and long-standing issue with First Nations on and off reserve, the contributions today will certainly contribute to finding solutions for many First Nations communities who are trying to find adequate housing for their people. We are excited and look forward to working with the Provincial government and all our First Nations housing partners for a better future for our people. “Said Terry Teegee, Regional Chief of British Columbia Assembly of First Nations in response to the Build BC: Indigenous Fund.

The announcement also declared that all Building BC programs will be available to Indigenous organizations and First Nations in Urban, Rural and Northern regions. The programs include Building BC: Community Housing Fund, Women’s Transition Housing Fund and Supportive Housing Fund. Including the Building BC: Indigenous Housing Fund over the next 10 years close to 4.4 billion dollars in total will go towards alleviating the core housing needs of all Indigenous Peoples Across the Province.

More about the Aboriginal Housing Management Association:

The Aboriginal Housing Management Association (“AHMA”) is the first of its kind not for profit Indigenous housing authority. AHMA leverages the collective impact of their membership to provide safe and secure housing for Urban, Rural, and Northern Indigenous Peoples in the Province of British Columbia, Canada.

AHMA provides a capacity building role for Indigenous housing providers, offering guidance when requested for proposal development, project commitment and construction. Once the project is active, AHMA fulfills the role of the Province by providing ongoing agreement oversight, funding, and support for the Indigenous Housing Providers.

To learn more visit http://www.ahma-bc.org/

Media Inquiries: Laurie Brownrigg

Media & Communications Specialist

PH: 604.921.2462

Email: communications@ahma-bc.org

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