Reaching Home Program

As part of our commitment to transparency and effective implementation, we have outlined specific eligibility criteria for the Nisga’a Homeless Prevention program, which include:

• Residing on Nisga’a Lands
• Individuals, particular women, or men who have experienced violence or are at risk of violence.
• Individuals leaving the correctional or hospital systems.
• Those at risk of eviction from primary residence
• Providing proof of access to a secured residence,
• Demonstrating the need for furniture/appliances
• Providing proof of income

These criteria ensure that the support and funding provided by the Reaching Home program reaches those who are most in need within our community.   Furthermore, we would like to emphasize that these guidelines are subject to periodic review and may be updated in accordance with Canada’s Reaching Home Fund Agreements.

We encourage you to disseminate this information within your organization or department, as it serves as a guideline for understanding eligibility and ineligibility criteria for the Reaching Home program.

Homelessness-related situations within the Nisga’a Lands present unique challenges, necessitating tailored outcomes, goals, strategies, and interventions to address them effectively. While homelessness is typically defined as lacking a permanent address or residence, the context within the Nisga’a Nation encompasses various scenarios. These include overcrowded homes, relocation to off-lands housing, and couch surfing with relatives. Some individuals may temporarily resort to emergency shelters in nearby areas like Terrace, potentially leading to chronic homelessness characterized by recurrent episodes or prolonged periods without stable housing. Presently, the Nisga’a Nation lacks dedicated accommodations such as emergency shelters, women’s or men’s shelters, community living spaces, or safe homes to mitigate homelessness. The Nisga’a Lisims Government has embarked on the Reaching Home Program, offering four years of grant funding to both Nisga’a and non-Nisga’a citizens residing on Nisga’a Lands. This initiative is crucial in preventing citizens from resorting to relocation, homelessness, or losing their rental units. The forthcoming directives outlined in this program aim to proactively prevent homelessness and provide a comprehensive understanding of the guidelines for each directive.

Under Directive A for Housing Services, citizens are eligible to apply for rental assistance, encompassing various housing options such as apartments, duplexes, triplexes.

1. 1^st month Rent.
2. Security Deposit – ½ months’ rent
3. Furniture at move-in – Max $1000.00
4. Moving Costs – Relocation to Nisga’a Lands
5. Utility Deposit – 1^st time renters only
6. Food Voucher – $350.00

The Navigator overseeing these services ensures exhaustive examination of all available funds within Village Governments, Jordan’s Principle, Mental Health Departments, NVHA funding, and other organizations with similar funding. Collaborating with these entities, the Navigator strives to address any gaps in support for individuals seeking housing assistance, preventative measures, crisis or other.

A) Rental Arrears – Medical situations only

B) Rent Supplements

• Income testing required
• Must not exceed three disbursements per year

C) Utility Arrears

• Current arrears
• One time application if the above requirements are met.
• Applicant must provide proof of BC Hydro – Customer Crisis Fund application if not approved.

D) Appliance Replacement

• Prevention towards forcing a client to move out of unit due to inadequate or inappropriate living conditions.
• Confirmation all other financial resources have been exhausted
• Confirmation required from Social Development & Jordan’s principal

E) Food Voucher

• Confirmation all financial resources have been exhausted, including Social Development, and Jordan’s Principle
• Income Testing required.
• Must not exceed three disbursements per year

When considering applications for a Grant, the applicant’s current household income and current living conditions are taken into consideration. Applications will only be considered in the fiscal year in which they are made. An applicant not receiving a Grant in the fiscal year they apply must re-apply for a Grant the following fiscal year.

All applicants will be advised in writing whether or not they have been awarded a Grant, within 2 – 4 weeks of delivering their completed application.