Montreal heritage building being made into housing for Indigenous women and their kids

When Indigenous women come to Montreal, it's usually in search of something they can't find in their community like education or a career, says the director of the Native Women's Shelter.

"We find that a lot of the women fall through the cracks and end up on the streets," said Nakuset.

She saysthey need a "secure platform" to develop a career and "make their dreams come true" and that's why atransitional housing complex is under construction in the neighbourhood of Little Burgundy.

The project, which is expected to costmore than $12 million,will transform an old public bathhouse into23 affordable housing units for women and their children. The women will get support as they live in one of the units for up to three years, Nakuset said.

This is in addition to the 16 housing units already offered by the groupFoyer pour femmes autochtones de Montral.

Intervention teams will spend time in the two facilities, helping to "maximize the chances of success of their socio-professional reintegration," the city of Montreal saidin a statement Monday.

Those teams will offer individual support and follow-ups, as well as group workshops and activities.

Montreal covers half the cost

Montreal is chipping in about $6 million from various budgets, investing in the renovation and decontamination of a heritage building, formerly known as the Bain Hushion. The building, located in the Sud-Ouest borough, was built in 1914.

Montreal Mayor Valrie Plante saysthe new home is another step toward reconciliation in the city.

"The city of Montreal is raising its hand saying 'We will help you guys' within our capacity," said Plante, noting Indigenous affairs aregenerally up to the federal and provincial governments.

WATCH | Nakuset explains why the investment is important:

Nakuset explains why Montreal needs transitional housing for Indigenous women

3 years ago

Duration 0:52

A 23-unit transitional housing building is opening in Montreal in the fall of 2022 for Indigenous women and their children. When Indigenous women come to Montreal, its usually in search of education or a career, says Nakuset, director of the Native Women's Shelter.

The Quebec government is also investing $7 million in the project.

Richard Campeau, the provincial MNA for Bourget riding, said these initiatives are important to help lift Indigenous women out of precarious living situations.

He said he is sure that Nakuset and her team will play a key role in building the confidence of women who stay in the building.

Furnished apartments, community room

Nakuset said the project has been in the making for 10 years and now, with construction already underway, there will be 12 units resembling a typical three-and-a-half apartment (one bedroom apartment)in Montreal. There will also be four- and five-and-a-half units, with two or three bedrooms.

"We have created a special room on the main floor that will be a communal room," said Nakuset.

And even though each fully furnished apartment will have a kitchen, there will also be a communal kitchen for activities and workshops.

The housing will also provide services to the children of these women, to ensure thatfamilies, if separated by social services, are brought back together, Nakuset said.

Nakuset saysthat she hopes that bringing all of the resources that Indigenous women in Montreal need under one roof will help break the cycle of generational trauma. She saysthe central location is crucial.

"If you have a file with Batshaw (youth protection services), well that's just up the street," she said.

"If you want an education, if you want to go to university, it's right here. The organizations are around here so it's really key."

The housing project is scheduled to open in the fall of 2022.