Greetings,
Currently, we are facing the fourth wave of COVID-19, and like all of you, I wish this pandemic would disappear, but some things are not in our control. I have learned to adapt to the changing environment and keep myself and the people around me safe and healthy. This pandemic has taught me the importance of slowing down my pace, appreciating little moments with my children, and being thankful for the ability to look after my family. At MĂ©tis Housing, we have a more significant responsibility of ensuring the needs of our tenants and clients are met.
We have been working with all orders of government to ensure we apply for all accessible funding to support our tenants. With support from the Canada Mortgage Housing Corporation earlier this month, we were able to assist some of our qualified tenants with a one-time temporary rental assistance. This benefit offered relief to families struggling to provide for their family members due to loss of income during the pandemic.
We will continue to access similar financial benefits, be it for the support of the families or the repair and renovation of our homes. While we do so, I urge all tenants of Métis Housing to continue living a healthy life and look after your home. Fall is approaching fast; prepare your home for the cooler weather, report all emergency repairs right away, and be respectful of your neighbour. If you face any challenges or barriers, please do not hesitate to access our Housing Resource Worker’s Program. We are here to provide the best support possible.
I hope you all find ways to celebrate fall festivities and find time to enjoy the beauty of fall before the snow hits the ground. From all of us at MĂ©tis Housing, we wish everyone good health and happiness!
Sincerely,

Bindu Bonneau
Senior Director of Operations
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TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION DAY CLOSURE |
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Out of respect for the lives that have been deeply impacted, and as a MĂ©tis organization, we will recognize Truth and Reconciliation Day on September 30th as a statutory holiday.

Our offices will be closed on this day and we encourage you to learn more about our Indigenous history, read books from Indigenous authors, and connect with nature. Please do something to advance reconciliation and honour our past.
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No one should be alone during difficult times, and at MĂ©tis Housing, we walk alongside families celebrating their resiliency and successes. One of the ways we do this is through our Housing Resource Worker (HRW) whose role is to help clients on their journey to a healthy lifestyle.
The HRW provides supports and works with clients in skill building, goal setting, safety planning, and numerous other areas of empowerment such as:
- Self Care
- Healthy and Unhealthy Relationships
- Employment and Financial Resources
- Healthy Lifestyle Choices
- Early Child Development
- Addictions and treatment options
Last month our Housing Resource Workers worked on 54 individual cases, of which:
- 25 are now closed
- 29 are ongoing
- 8 were one-time occurrences

The top 3 needs addressed were:
We send out a huge thank you to our Housing Resource Workers who are working tirelessly behind the scenes to help build up our community!
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It was only months ago we brought in the Reaching Home Program, and we have answered the call for help many times.
The Reaching Home Program is a community-based initiative aiming to prevent and reduce homelessness allowing for immediate interventions and long-term solutions to address homelessness in MĂ©tis communities.
From end of April to August we received over 50 applicants throughout Alberta, from Lethbridge to Peace River and everywhere in between.
Of those applicants, 40% have been approved and their files have either been closed or referred to the Home Program for ongoing support and 40% are still in process.
70% of the applicants required emergency housing, and the reasons varied from the individuals themselves, challenges in finding a new home, leaving abusive relationships, unsafe environments, and more.
The Reaching Home Program includes:
- Housing services including short-term rental supplements, damage deposit, moving expenses, and landlord mediation
- Help and supports to prevent evictions
- Services including financial support, public transit tickets, and access to oral care programs
- Economic integration services including assistance with accessing income benefits; job search, resume writing, and interview preparation; and education and training assistance for entering the workforce
- Social and community integration including access to recreation centres, participation in sports activities, and Indigenous Elder consultation
- Clinical and treatment services such as mental health and addiction support, along with partnering with Child and Family Services (CFS) to support youth in care or who are coming out of care
- Funding to cover shelter and transitional housing costs, including the renovation of emergency shelters and transitional housing units; demolition of existing buildings and construction of a new facility for transitional or permanent supportive housing; construction of non-residential facilities such as drop-in centres and counselling spaces; and the repairs of damages resulting from housing placements.
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It's time to get ready for the changing of the seasons. A time to move from summer to fall, with the inevitable arrival of winter. ⛄
Check out the Fall Yard Cleanup Checklist we put together for you to start checking off the things you need to do!
What sorts of cleanup do you do with the changing of the seasons?
Aside from yard clean up, we love to use our harvest to make traditional foods!
Now go, clean up, prepare a stew, and settle in for the arrival of the cold. 🍲 ❄️
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Consider working for MĂ©tis Housing!
We are growing and new positions come up all the time!
This summer we provided employment to three summer students – two in Edmonton and one in Calgary. The two Edmonton positions were funded through Rupertsland Institute, one worked with the Tenants Department, the other with the Homes Program, and in Calgary the student helped with reception.
We love providing employment and work experience to the students within our community. Their enthusiasm, curiosity, and drive are invaluable in moving us forward.
We are seeking the perfect candidates for many positions throughout the province like the ones below!
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Edmonton
- Family Support Worker – Family Reunification Program
- Tenant Relations Officer
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Calgary
- Maintenance Technician
- Tenant Relations Officer
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REMINDER:
SMOKING IS PROHIBITED inside all our residences, including private units.
Due to the irritation and known health risks of exposure to second-hand smoke, increased risk of fire and increased maintenance, cleaning and redecorating costs, all forms of smoking are prohibited.

We take great pride in our units and want to ensure that we continue to be able to provide the highest quality of accommodation possible for years to come for all our residents.

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Need help changing your smoking habits? The MĂ©tis Nation of Alberta has joined forces with Alberta Health Services to offer a culturally relevant version of Quit Core to MĂ©tis citizens.
QuitCore is a free group support program providing MĂ©tis individuals with the tools, strategies, and skills they need to reduce or quit their tobacco use.
For more information, or to register for the next round of sessions, reach out to health@metis.org today!
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The MNA Annual General Assembly was on August
19-22 at MĂ©tis Crossing and what an event it was!
Developing a constitution was a major topic, and with the commission out in the community gathering feedback, we want to encourage all MNA Citizens to take part in this important and historic event – self government!
Other things to note was the veteran’s monument unveiling, the gala, and of course being out at Metis Crossing!
This past year and half have left so many of us feeling disconnected and being able to meet in community was wonderful.
Thank you to everyone who stopped by our table to say “hi”!
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Have a great week and thanks for reading!
Don't follow us on social?
You should!
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