HEALING OUR WAY TO HEALTHY LIVING
The goal of this program is to reach the population of Aboriginal adults who face the issues and challenges of lack of home security and are the hidden homeless. Hidden homeless are those who have a place to stay but it isn't theirs and is only a temporary place. They stay with various relatives or friends, most times in overcrowded situations, changing residence frequently by moving from one family member to another, or from one friend to another, who stay in unsafe and/or unhealthy situations in order to keep a roof over their heads.
To become healthy, we must first overcome the pain and fear instilled on us from past negative experiences including abuse and neglect, historical trauma and Residential Schools.
The intent of this program is to heal trauma and increase the skills and abilities of participants in looking after themselves, solving problems and handling their finances. The focus is for them to see that they can have it easier and safer, for them to learn how they can get and have what they need and to release pain and fear from the past.
It is our certainty that through this healing and skill development, participants will overcome the lingering effects of the past and will also be more successful at obtaining educational and employment goals, home security, and family safety.
Locally and nationally, the Aboriginal community experiences much higher than average rates of actual homelessness. Yet, there are very few Aboriginal directed, and even fewer Traditionally based Behavioural Health Treatment Services, for the Aboriginal homeless to address the root causes that result in being at risk of being homeless. In addition, the hidden homeless are a population that, for the most part, has been ignored.
We see, that for our people, the issue of hidden homelessness is more than just being without a safe place to stay - it is a more complex issue that involves a wide range of additional dynamics that contribute to that result. Our unique history and culture must be taken into account as it is one that has resulted in multiple generations being affected by historical trauma, post traumatic stress and other issues that have resulted in lack of, or reduced, functional abilities.
Many people who face the challenge of hidden homelessness do not identify the lack of home security as an issue until they are well into their treatment plans. The shame of facing this issue is strong, as is the belief that they deserve the hard situation they are in and must accept it.
All research has been conducted by Eyaa-Keen Healing Centre Inc.
Hidden Homlessness
- Living in overcrowded conditions
- Living temporarily with friends, relatives, improvised dwellings or boarding houses
- Living in unsafe family circumstances
- Living in unhealthy circumstances
- Living on very low incomes
- Sacrificing other necessities to pay rent
- Facing extraordinary personal crises and/or addictions
- Rural Manitobans seeking medical care in Winnipeg
- Residents in hotels
If you, or someone you know, are facing these issues please call Eyaa-Keen Healing Centre to access services.
