For indigenous

Resources for Indigenous people experiencing homelessness

Indigenous-led shelters, cultural programming, and culturally-specific services across Turtle Island.

Indigenous people are dramatically overrepresented in the homeless population in both the US and Canada. In Canada, Indigenous people make up about 5% of the general population but roughly 30% of the homeless population. The drivers are systemic — the legacy of residential schools and the Sixties Scoop in Canada, boarding schools in the US, ongoing discrimination, and long-term displacement from traditional lands. Indigenous-led programs tend to outperform generalist programs for this community.

Crisis lines and quick contacts

211

US & CA

211

Free, 24/7. Most regions can route to Indigenous-specific services.

Hope for Wellness Helpline (Canada)

1-855-242-3310

Free, 24/7. Counselling for Indigenous people in English, French, Cree, Ojibway, and Inuktitut.

Talking Stick (Canada)

Chat at talkingstick.ca

Free, anonymous chat for Indigenous youth.

Find indigenous-specific resources near you

Showing 14 resources that specifically serve indigenous. Type your city or share your location to rank them by distance.

Within:

Top cities for indigenous resources

National & regional charities

Effective organizations for donating, volunteering, or finding help. We don't take a cut — every link goes directly to the charity.

Siloam Mission (Winnipeg)

Largest shelter in Manitoba; Indigenous-led programming.

Visit siloam.ca ↗

Na-Me-Res / Native Men's Residence (Toronto)

Indigenous-led men's shelter with traditional cultural programming.

Visit nameres.org ↗

Native American Connections (Phoenix)

Culturally specific housing and recovery for Native communities.

Visit nativeconnections.org ↗

Aboriginal Front Door (Vancouver)

Indigenous-led drop-in centre in the Downtown Eastside.

Visit aboriginalfrontdoor.com ↗

Our Place Society (Victoria)

Indigenous programming alongside Victoria's main day center.

Visit ourplacesociety.com ↗

What to know

• Indigenous-led organizations often have better outcomes for Indigenous community members than generalist shelters. The map filter for 'Indigenous' surfaces them.
• If you're status (Canada) or enrolled (US), tribal/band membership opens additional housing programs through the federal government.
• Friendship Centres (Canada) are present in every province and provide many of the same wraparound services as shelters — case management, meals, cultural programs.
• In the US, the Indian Housing Block Grant funds tribal housing authorities. If you have tribal enrollment, contact your tribe's housing authority directly.