The Power of Unity, The Dignity of Difference
Housing
Matawa Housing assists in enhancing Matawa members’ quality of life by providing opportunities for them to have safe, secure, adequate and affordable places to live. It does so by delivering various advocacy services and liaising with external organizations and federal/provincial governments.
21-BED SERVICES AND CONTACT INFORMATION MATAWA 21-BED SUPPORTIVE HOUSING INTAKE FORM
Matawa First Nations Management (MFNM) was directed by Resolution #06/11/09/2020 to develop a homelessness strategy that would include a long-term vision for all Matawa members.
As of the fall of 2024 some of the preliminary key outcomes that are working towards expanding housing options have included:
- 6 Awashishewiigiihiwaywiin Transitional Housing Units
- 2 Tiny Homes to First Nations in Matawa (in partnership with the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, Lakehead Social Planning Council, Lakehead Public Schools -Hammarskjold and Nip-Rock High Schools Indigenous Skilled Trades Program, Thunder Bay Poverty Reduction Strategy, Thunder Bay Indigenous Friendship Centre, the District of Thunder Bay Social Services Administration Board, Smart Modular Canada, Form Architecture Engineering and the Tiny Town Association) and Exploring the Feasibility of a Tiny Home Village Pilot Project
- 6 Youth Crisis Beds at the Matawa Education and Care Centre
- 21 Subsidized Supportive Housing/Dorm Units
- Incorporation of a For-Profit Housing Entity (in development)
- Indigenous Shelter Initiative for a 10 unit, 15 bed Shelter (in development)
- First Home Funding Initiative (in development)
To better support Matawa community members utilizing Matawa programs and services in the City of Thunder Bay, Matawa Housing operates 21 safe-space units for Matawa members who have a critical need for housing and who wish to take their first steps towards independence. Matawa Housing offers short-term supportive housing stays with 24-hour staff support.
This is a new program that began April 1, 2024. Please note that we will experience changes in program delivery, levels of support available, and capacity at times. Please bear with us through these changes as we strive to deliver the best possible service to support stability and independence by walking the path together.
21 Subsidized Supportive Housing/Dorm Units:
Each unit contains a bed, a desk, a fridge and a closet. The units house those utilizing Matawa programs and services who has been identified as homeless.
Participants:
- Adults who want to focus on training and wellness
- Adults seeking life skills, schooling and/or training opportunities
- Those experiencing homelessness who want to take steps to gain new life skills
- Those traveling from home communities to seek schooling or training
Eligibility requirements:
- Matawa community members preferred
- Those on the Rent-Geared-to-Income waitlist
- Ontario Works recipients
- Ontario Disability Support Program recipients
- 18 years-old and above
- No secure stable housing
How to apply:
Download or complete the fillable form here.
Contact Us:
To reach the units directly please call (807) 346-1373. To reach program manager Casey Peever call (807) 627-3920. We are located at the Matawa Training and Wellness Centre at 523 Algoma St. N. in Thunder Bay. Walk-ins are not accepted in our secure building.