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Métis home ownership recognized through ROOPH awards

Article Origin

Author

By Heather Andrews Miller Sweetgrass Writer EDMONTON

Volume

20

Issue

5

Year

2013

A panel of judges had a tough time picking just one winner in each category from an impressive array of worthy nominees in the annual ROOPH - Recognizing Outstanding Organizations and People in Housing – awards.

The Outstanding Service for the Aboriginal Community awards is an important part of the ROOPH Awards and Homeward Trust Edmonton has integrated Aboriginal partnerships in all aspects of the organization from the board of directors, through programs like the ROOPH awards, says Terry Jordan, manager of events and fund development for Homeward Trust.

“The Aboriginal award has been a key part since it began,” he said.

Taking the award was Habitat for Humanity Edmonton, which has partnered with the Métis Capital Housing Corporation in a winning initiative that sees Aboriginal families earning home ownership.

“We were very pleased to see this project recognized. As an organization we are directly responsible for implementing the City of Edmonton’s 10-year plan to end homelessness,” said Jordan.
Alfred Nikolai, president and CEO of Habitat for Humanity Edmonton, said the Métis Capital Housing Corporation should get credit for the project as its executive director Darlene Lennie approached HFHE to create the partnership agreement.

Métis rental properties in Edmonton were converted into affordable home ownership opportunities for Métis families. Existing renters are referred to the Habitat program and the homes are renovated with volunteer labour, cash and material donations.

“It’s a brilliant solution to a housing situation in urban communities where we have hard-working Métis families who work from paycheck to paycheck and a lot of their money goes to paying rent,” said Nikolai. “It doesn’t allow them to build any equity for themselves and their children.”

To date, three families have moved into newly renovated homes and pay an interest-free mortgage with payments that never exceed 25 per cent of their income.

“And there’s the additional pride that comes with home ownership that’s an additional benefit,” said Nikolai. “The sense of self-esteem and fulfillment for the family is remarkable.”

Habitat for Humanity Edmonton was also nominated for the Larry Shaben Award for Outstanding Leadership in the Housing Sector as was Karen Bruno, director of North Star, a 64-unit apartment building owned and operated by Boyle Street Community Services in partnership with Liston Holdings. North Star is home to many Aboriginal people who were formerly homeless and Bruno’s innovative and caring approach has ensured that cultural needs are a key part of the support services which she provides to clients. Taking the Larry Shaben Award was Franco Savoia, whose work led to the partnership that created the Boyle Renaissance project.

“All award winners, this year and over the years, are part of our community who are working hand-in-hand towards (ending homeless in 10 years),” said Jordan

Homeward Trust Edmonton has been hosting the event since 2006 to bring the public’s attention to, and recognize the work of, individuals and organizations which have addressed affordable housing and homeless initiatives in the capital city.

 

Photo caption: Homeward Trust Edmonton CEO Susan McGee (from left) and board chair Clayton Kootenay present a ROOPH award to Alfred Nikolai of Habitat for Humanity Edmonton on the March 7 award ceremony in Edmonton.