Housing First

Tungasuvvingat Inuit’s Housing First program serves long term shelter clients who are chronically or episodically homeless. The goal of the program is to move people experiencing homelessness and residing in shelters into permanent housing and then providing additional supports and services through a housing based case management model.

Clients are referred to the program through a centralized matching process administered through the City of Ottawa.

A group of women in conversation

Housing Support

The housing Support Program assists Inuit in transitioning to an urban setting and to prevent homelessness in Ottawa’s rapidly growing Inuit community.

Assistance and support with:

  • housing searches
  • applications for social housing
  • landlord tenant issues
  • Non Insured Health Benefits
  • identification
Inuit man preparing meat in the kitchen

Ancillary Housing Support Services include the following:

  • Community Support – Identification: Clients are given assistance in applying for new or replacement ID, including birth certificates, OHIP cards, passports, NTI beneficiary cards, etc.
  • Non-Insured Health Benefits: Tungasuvvingat Inuit helps clients apply for Non-Insured Health Benefits and find clinics that accept patients covered under NIHB.
  • Community Kitchen: The Community Kitchen is a weekly program focusing on communal food preparation, nutrition, and the importance of a healthy diet. Although there is some country food available occasionally, its purpose is to introduce Southern foods that Inuit are unfamiliar with. It also provides education about the nutritional value and preparation of these foods.
  • Food Security Program (Food Bank): In partnership with the Ottawa Food Bank, Tungasuvvingat Inuit’s weekly Food Bank provides food for Inuit clients who have little or no income, who are homeless, or who are considered food insecure.
  • Men’s Group: The Tungasuvvingat Inuit Men’s Group is a weekly program focusing on the many Inuit men who have little or no income, who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, and who often have substance-abuse issues. The group provides a safe and abstinent environment in which men can participate in talking circles, board-game nights, movie nights and cultural activities such as carving or drum-making.
  • Settlement support: a staff member is available to work with Inuit individuals newly arrived from the north. The worker will assess needs and guide individuals and families through southern systems such as income supports housing school registration and many more.
  • Open creations: culturally specific craft groups focusing on traditional Inuit crafts 2 times a week.  Painting, drawing, sculpture, beading are all part of group activities.

  • 613-749-4500 x21

  • Monday – 9:30-3:30 (closed noon to 1pm)
    Tuesday – 1:00-3:30
    Thursday – 9:30-3:30 (closed noon to 1pm)
    Friday – 1:00-3:30

Email Housing Manager