Waterloo Indigenous-led transitional housing program being put on pause

The KW Urban Native Wigwam Project (KWUNWP) is putting a pause on its transitional housing program in Waterloo.

A release put out by KWUNWP says the decision was difficult, but it's necessary to "re-envision" the program. This includes hiring new staff including in leadership positions, remodeling programs to meet the nuanced needs of their tenants and finding a new location.

The program began in the summer of 2023 at a temporary location at 34 Bridgeport Rd. E, but the lease ends in May and the building is due to be demolished.

"We're up for anybody who is willing to rent to us at a location that would house about 12 to 15 individuals," said Laury Turcotte, the executive director of KWUNWP.

Turcotte told CBC News the group needs space to develop more sustainable practices to foster healing and successfully transition people to permanent housing.

"We're looking for more of a place that has a lot more green space. There was actually not much at the last one," said Turcotte. "To carry out more of our cultural components, we need that green space."

The organization says it's working with the housing services team at the Region of Waterloo on a plan to move the tenants currently living at the Bridgeport location.

Turcotte said the group is working with tenants on finding new housing as well as a housing worker liaising with the region.

"We have a long history of providing culturally safe and affordable housing for the Indigenous [First Nations, Metis, and Inuit] community in Waterloo Region," said Turcotte in the release.

Turcotte said the program is officially pausing on Mar. 31.

All other programs and services delivered by KWUNWP will continue to operate as usual.