Shelter Initiative for Inuit women and children
About Shelters
Inuit women, children, and gender-diverse Inuit face unique housing challenges, particularly concerning gender-based violence, where shelters play a crucial role in providing safety and support. For the past 40 years, Pauktuutit Inuit Women of Canada has been advocating for federal support, leading to a 2021 commitment of $20 million from the government to fund the construction and operation of shelters in Inuit Nunangat and urban centers. This funding is part of a broader Violence Prevention Strategy, including support for shelters and transitional housing for Indigenous peoples nationwide.
Progress in Inuit Nunangat
Inuit-specific shelters and transitional housing initiatives are progressing across Inuit Nunangat, with approvals and applications underway. In Nunavut, approvals have been granted for shelters and transitional houses in Sanikiluaq, Pangnirtung, Baker Lake, and Gjoa Haven. Similarly, Puvirnituq in Nunavik has received approval for a shelter and transitional housing project. In Inuvialuit, applications for shelters in Aimayunga and Ulukhaktok and a transitional house in Tuktoyaktuk, NWT, are under review. Additionally, Nunatsiavut has submitted a shelter application for Makkovik and for a transitional housing project in Nain, which is currently under Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) review.
Pauktuutit has highlighted the challenges posed by southern timelines on northern projects, advocating for flexibility as the project sunsets on March 31, 2026, which may not align with the needs of projects in Inuit Nunangat.
Progress in Urban Areas
Urban areas are also advancing shelter and transitional housing initiatives, with applications from Ottawa, Montreal, and Winnipeg under review. Winnipeg has also applied for a transitional house, while CMHC is reviewing Edmonton’s transitional house application. Pauktuutit has emphasized the need to support urban Inuit groups’ capacity for applications and infrastructure development during the Indigenous Shelters and Transitional Houses Steering Committee meetings.
Operating Shelters and Support
Pauktuutit does not operate shelter facilities. If you are in need of emergency housing or support, please contact a shelter in your region:
Inuvialuit
Inuvik
Inuvik Transition House Society
Crisis Line 1-867-777-3877
Tanya Dillon, Executive Director
Tuktoyaktuk
Aimayunga Women and Emergency Foster Care Shelter
aimayunga@tukcommunitycorp.com
Crisis Line 1-867-977-2000
Sandra Elias, Executive Director
Kitikmeot
Cambridge Bay
Operational Arnat Qimavik – Cambridge Bay Wellness Centre Crisis Shelter
tclarke@gov.nu.ca
fvvp@cambridgebay.ca
sarcha@polarnet.ca
Box 81 Cambridge Bay NU X0E 0C0
Anne Isnor (Family Violence Contact) (867) 983-5232
Troy Clarke 867 983 4169
Kugaaruk
Operational Tammaaquik Women’s Centre – Family Violence centre
womenshelter2@outlook.com
shelter_manager@outlook.com
P.O. Box 205 Hamlet Office, Kugaaruk, NU X0B 1K0
Catherine Nipatuyuk 867-769-6100
Kugluktuk
Operational
Kugluktuk Women’s Crisis Centre
Beverly Bort (867) 982-3210
Kivalliq
Baker Lake
Innutit Women’s Group Ikajuqtauvvik Crisis Centre
General Delivery Taloyoak NU X0E 1B0
Tel.: (867) 561-5902
Rankin Inlet
Operational
Kataujaq Society Shelter
kataujaq@qiniq.com
kylagabrielle26@yahoo.com
P.O. Box 344 Rankin Inlet X0C 0G0
ED/Shelter Manager, Joyce Kent (867) 645-2214
Emerg/After Hrs (867) 645-6432
Nunatsiavut
Nain
Nain Safe House
Women’s Shelter
nainsafehouse@nf.aibn.com
709-922-1230 Nicole Dicker (Executive Director)
Rigolet
Kirkina House
Women’s Shelter
rigoletsafehouse@bellaliant.com
Desiree Wolfrey (Executive Director) 709-947-3583
Nunavik
Inukjuak
Ajapirvik Women’s Shelter
Women’s Shelters and Transition Homes
matagotaaluk@gmail.com
Mary Atagotaaluk (Director) 819-819 254 1414
Kangiqsujuaq
Qarmaapik House: A multi-use and safe place for families in Kangiqsualujjuaq
Safe House
Pilot Project
Maggie Emudluk, and Hilda Snowball Board Members – No contact information for location.
Kuujjuaq
Tungasuvvik Women’s Shelter
Women’s Shelters and Transition Homes
stagoona@gmail.com
(819) 964-0536 Sarah Tagoona Executive Director
(819) 964-2423
Salluit
Initsiaq Women’s Shelter
Women’s Shelters and Transition Homes
bcranemartin@gmail.com
Brenda Crane Martin (Director)
819-255 8045 or 819-255-8817
Qikiqtaaluk
Cape Dorset
Tukkuvik Women’s Shelter
Box 69 Cape Dorset NU X0A 0C0
Tel.: (867) 897-8683
Crisis Line: (867) 979-4500
Iqaluit
Operational
Qimaavik Women’s shelter
director@ywca-agvvik.org
ed@ywca-agvik.org
P.O Box 237 Iqaluit X0A 0H0
Tel.: (867) 979-4566
Pangnirtung
Tullivik Group
Box 204 Pangnirtung NU X0A 0R0
Tel.: (867) 473-8944
Research
All actions undertaken should be grounded in evidence-based data to support responses. To ensure that the voices of Inuit women are heard, we support research, data collection, gap analysis, and allocation of resources.
The successful implementation of the creation of shelters for Inuit women will respond to the National Action Plan, safety being paramount in the 231 Calls for Justice.
Contact Information
If you have any questions about this application, please write to Kerenza Plohman at kplohman@pauktuutit.ca, who can provide you with more information to help you complete the application.
Who is eligible for the shelter's initiative funding?
Inuit representative organizations, Inuit governments, Inuit communities, provincial/territorial governments, municipalities, non-governmental and voluntary associations and organizations, including non-profit corporations are eligible to submit an application package.
Inuit applicants will be prioritized. All non-Inuit organizations, including provincial, territorial, and municipal governments, require demonstrated support from Inuit organizations or Inuit community groups to be eligible for funding.
Project Requirements
Proposed projects will have to meet the following requirements:
- Intended use for Inuit women and children escaping family violence.
- Demonstrated support from Inuit organizations or Inuit community groups.
- Eligible to obtain operational support for the shelter through Indigenous Services Canada (ISC), in accordance with the posted Terms and Conditions.
- Eligibility to obtain appropriate loan security to cover the value of the forgivable loan received.
- Minimum requirements for energy efficiency and accessibility
- Application package and financial worksheet completed.
- Support commitments/letters for the project
Financial Support
Two federal departments are working together on this program – the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) has money available to construct new shelters and transitional housing, and Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) has money for operating the new shelters/transitional homes.
ISC also has money available for violence prevention activities through a separate application process.
CMHC and ISC recognize that the project management costs of putting together an application are significant. Seed funding is available to help with the costs of developing your application. This can include business plans, preliminary building designs, development permits and more.
For information and to apply for shelters and transitional housing funding, please follow this link – Indigenous Shelter and Transitional Housing Initiative
Funding for Violence Prevention Activities
The federal government has funding available for Inuit organizations to provide vital services to Inuit women, children, families and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people facing violent situations, and funds activities and key supports to help prevent future violence. The Family Violence Prevention Program (FVPP) funds Inuit-led, culturally appropriate, and community-driven family violence prevention activities across Canada managed by Indigenous Services Canada (ISC). ISC manages and distributes these funds through a proposal-based system (currently open). While the primary focus of proposed activities must be on family violence prevention, past eligible activities included the following:
- enhanced wrap-around services
- case management
- land-based activities
- programs to reduce the risk of sexual exploitation
- culturally appropriate mental health and addiction supports
- public outreach and awareness
- conferences and workshops
- stress and anger management seminars
- support groups
- community needs
However, ISC may change its Call for Proposals requirements. Please refer to their website to best understand Eligible Activities; Selection Criteria; Financial Contributions; Deadlines; and the acceptable proposal delivery method.
Seed funding to support applications
CMHC Seed funding is available through non-repayable contributions to help with costs related to pre-development activities. This can include business plans, preliminary designs, development permits and more.
Details on the Seed program and links to the documents listed above can be found on CMHC’s Seed webpage: https://www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca/en/professionals/project-funding-and-mortgage-financing/funding-programs/all-funding-programs/seed-funding
Financial Support
Capital cost funding is delivered by CMHC, while funding for ongoing operating costs must be secured through ISC. The funding for both the construction and operation of the shelters will be sought through a single application.
The construction of the Inuit shelters will be financed through the Co-Investment Fund, with a forgivable loan for up to 100% of the total eligible capital costs.
On-going operational funding will be provided through ISC’s Family Violence Prevention Program (FVPP). Operational funding includes wraparound services, which are a comprehensive and holistic approach to addressing client needs and challenges. Wraparound services can include counselling, addiction services, mentorship, employment and housing support, skills development, training, childcare, and children’s programs. Applicants must provide an operational budget that is specific to their proposed facility.
Contribution amounts for operational funding are based on a national funding formula. The formula calculates a core operating budget for each shelter based on the province or territory of operation, size of area served and geographical location using four expenditure factors: staff salaries and benefits, operational and administrative costs, and where applicable, funds to cover the costs associated with remoteness and emergency needs.
Seed funding to support applications
CMHC Seed funding is available through non-repayable contributions to help with costs related to pre-development activities. This can include business plans, preliminary designs, development permits and more.
Details on the Seed program and links to the documents listed above can be found on CMHC’s Seed webpage: https://www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca/en/professionals/project-funding-and-mortgage-financing/funding-programs/all-funding-programs/seed-funding
Associated links
- As Canada’s authority on housing, CMHC contributes to the stability of the housing market and financial system, provides support for Canadians in housing need, and offers unbiased housing research and advice to all levels of Canadian government, consumers, and the housing industry. CMHC’s aim is that by 2030, everyone in Canada has a home they can afford, and that meets their needs.
- To find out more about the National Housing Strategy, visit placetocallhome.ca.
- Learn more on the work of Family Violence Prevention Program in supporting Indigenous women, children, and Indigenous communities.
- Find out more about the Federal Pathway to Address Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ People.
- Read more about the Inuit Action Plan to Address Missing and Murdered Inuit Women, Girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ People.
- Request to receive a copy of Pauktuutit’s research reports on shelter needs of Inuit Women.
Application Support Guides
Pauktuutit recommends contacting CMHC’s Housing Solutions Specialists to discuss potential or in-progress applications.
Pauktuutit has developed resources to assist your organization in applying to the federal Indigenous Shelter and Transitional Housing Initiative. The Application Support Guides for the three funding streams (construction, operations, violence prevention activities) contain step-by- step instructions and tips, and complement the resources available from CMHC and ISC.
Resources
Shelter operating expertise
Contacting an existing shelter provider could be beneficial to obtain information on management and operations best practices and important considerations. You can find shelters in your area by consulting Women’s Shelters Canada website at https://endvaw.ca/home/
Research and reports on shelters and second-stage housing
Surviving Abuse and Building Resilience—A Study of Canada’s Systems of Shelters and Transition Houses Serving Women and Children Affected by Violence (Standing Committee on the Status of Women, 2019) On May 1st, 2019, the Standing Committee on the Status of Women (the Committee) tabled its report on the systems of shelters and transition houses serving women and children affected by violence. The Committee conducted this study with the understanding that the physical and psychological effects of violence are profound and long-lasting. Individuals affected by violence require access to safe housing and appropriate support services.
https://www.ourcommons.ca/DocumentViewer/en/42-1/FEWO/report-15
Study by the Women’s Shelter of Canada: More than a Bed – A National Profile of Violence Against Women Shelters and Transition Houses (2019).
View More Than a Bed Final Report
Study by the Women’s Shelter of Canada: Second Stage Shelters – Transitioning to a Life Free of Violence (2019)
View Transitioning to a Life Free from Violence Final Report
Study of Gender-based Violence and Shelter Service Needs Across Inuit Nunangat, Pauktuutit Inuit Women of Canada – Final Report (2019)
The study addresses the shared priority of increasing the safety and well-being of Inuit women and children.
View Study of Gender-based Violence and Shelter Services Needs Across Inuit Nunangat
Resources
Associated Links