Department Overview
The Oshki Waakaa’igan Initiative at Aazhoomon provides services to homeless members, or members at risk of becoming homeless. Our case management will assess immediate needs, provide needed services and referrals for housing opportunities to obtain self-stability. In addition to the aforementioned services we collaborate with local housing partners and attend outreach events to advocate housing services for the Native community. If you or someone you know is an adult individual (any age) or a youth or young adult between the ages of 16-24, and is at risk of becoming homeless, please give them our contact information.
Traditional Ojibwe Teachings
The Oshki Waakaa’igan is guided by the 7 Grandfathers Teachings. Staff do their best to provide services with understanding, love and respect for individuals and families seeking housing support. We use wisdom and knowledge of community resources and connect individuals to services. We walk with members on the various pathways to housing stability and provide care with respect, compassion (love) and humility. Staff approach the sometimes difficult challenges members have in their lives with bravery, and knowing that if we work together, we will support members on their positive pathways.
Our Programs
Our program provides expanded equitable access to a continuum of housing options that bring choice and healing back to each member’s journey.
The Family Homeless Prevention and Assistance Program (FHPAP) provides
supportive services and financial assistance, such as rent deposits, rent
payments or utility payments, to eligible households that are homeless or at
imminent risk of homelessness.
Program Eligibility:
- Income at or below 200% of federal poverty guidelines
- Minnesota residents, or households otherwise approved by Minnesota
Housing - Experiencing a housing crisis
Households are assessed by FHPAP providers to determine eligibility and level of assistance. Funds are limited and may not be available for all households.
The goal of the Youth Homeless Demonstration Program (YHDP) is to support communities in the development and implementation of a coordinated community approach to preventing and ending youth homelessness.
Once accepted into NWICDC’s YHDP program, our care coordinators work with youth to set goals to increase their self-sufficiency and housing success. Together we identify barriers that our YHDP members may face such as the housing crisis, employment readiness, and transportation and create action plans to achieve member self-sufficiency.
NWICDC’s YHDP program provides 2 years of individual case management services that may include rental assistance (first and last month’s rent and security deposits). The rent financial assistance decreases over the two year program as members become more self-reliant. Staff also connect youth to other NWICDC services such as SNAP E & T which provides employment support, occupational clothing, training, and transportation assistance where needed. Members are also connected to other local employment and housing partners along their journey to self sufficiency.
RentWise and Independent Living Skills classes are available as well as online courses to be a good tenant and understand your rights as a tenant. These classes assist members in achieving continued success after they have completed their program participation.
Program Eligibility Requirements:
- Be between the ages of 16-24
- Must be facing homelessness defined as “youth who lack fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence” or
- Must be at risk of homelessness defined as “youth who will eminently lose their primary nighttime residence, provided that: Residence will be lost within 14 days of the date of application form homeless assistance, no subsequent residence has been identified, and the individual or family lacks the resources or support networks needed to obtain permanent housing” or
- Fleeing domestic violence defined as “youth who is fleeing or attempting to flee domestic violence and lacks resources or support network to obtain other permanent housing”.
- Be able to sign a one year lease with the option to renew
Not currently receiving rental assistance or living in a housing unit receiving rental assistance or operating assistance through federal, state, or local sources.
Department Services
Our case managers will assess immediate needs and with the member develop case plans case managers will verify eligibility for internal agency barrier reduction supports as well as identify external referrals for additional support.
Cultural Education
Offer ongoing cultural classes to come together, empower one another, and share pathways to healing.
Emotional and Peer Support
Provide access to indigenous counseling, peer support groups and talking circles.
Food Support
Receive food from our in house pantry and assistance applying for SNAP benefits to ensure you and your family are living healthy.
Networking
We foster relationships with local landlords, rental housing organizations and other local nonprofits that assist with housing needs.
Employment Services
Providing employment resources to increase your self-sufficiency and success.
Living Skills
Ongoing classes are offered to assist members achieve continued success during and after program participation.
Our Activities
The Oshki Waakaa’igan Initiative is informed by the guiding vision when Native citizens and families are connected to culturally rich environments and relationships, their well-being for themselves, their families and communities flourish. View our list of upcoming community events.
There Are Current Events At This Time
Our Partners
NWICDC’s Oshki Waakaa’igan (Housing First) works with the following organizations: Bemidji Area Food Shelf, Bemidji HRA, Bi-Cap, Cass Lake Shelter, Churches United, Evergreen Youth and Family Services, Face it Together, Kai Shin, MN Department of Health, MN Interagency Council on Homelessness, Northwest Minnesota Foundation, Northwoods Shelter, Oshki Manidoo, People’s Church, Red Lake and Redby Shelters, Red Lake Housing Authority, Red Lake, White Earth and Leech Lake Tribal Nations, Sanford Health, The Recovery Space, The Wolfe Center, Veteran Affairs, and Village of Hope.
Stories From People Like You
Program Assistance
If you or someone you know is an adult individual (any age) or a youth or young adult between the ages of 16-24, and is at risk of becoming homeless, please give them our contact information.
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