HEALING AND RECONCILIATION FOR COMMUNITIES AND FAMILIES
Because We Are
Stereotypes will tell us that poverty is caused by factors within an individuals’ control, but the reality is much more complex.
Indigenous Peoples are eight times more likely to experience homelessness due to a systemic cycle of oppression, racism and discrimination.
Intergenerational trauma and the breakdown of traditional supports has led to loss of identity and spiritual displacement.
To meet the needs of those struggling within their community, the St. Matthew’s House (SMH), alongside their partners, the Afro-Canadian Caribbean Association and the Hamilton Regional Indian Centre, are introducing the 412 Barton Neighbours Together Program. The program will develop 15 permanent affordable housing units to support Indigenous and Black seniors who have been experiencing chronic or episodic homelessness. This program will also deliver culturally relevant, spiritual social services and programs for residents to help them heal and stand on their own.
The Indigenous Reconciliation Fund (IRF) is contributing funding to help hire a resident attendant to support those living at 412 Barton. This worker will be responsible for providing traditional support to live-in residents, such as facilitating connection to income services, completing taxes, subsidy renewal packages and other tasks. The position will also collaborate with SMH partners to develop recreational and social activities and weekly programming for residents to build a sense of community and belonging.
412 Barton is more than a residence, it is a physical example of how organizations can come together to create change. A critical gap in available services for Indigenous and Black seniors has been identified, and while it is easy to point fingers at who or what is to blame,
organizations capable of providing a helping hand need to step up and address the issues at the root cause to empower lasting, transformative change.
Diocese of Hamilton
