Ni-Apin

The Ni-Apin Program is one of the several programs offered by the Aboriginal Health & Wellness Centre of Winnipeg Inc.

Ni-Apin is a Cree word which means “I am sitting” with the intended meaning of “I am sitting at home” provide both Housing First and programming and services for urban indigenous individuals who are either experiencing chronic or episodic homelessness or who are at risk of homelessness.

Our programs provide portable, individualized supports and services as a response to the participant’s distinctive needs. We utilize an intensive case management (ICM), and harm reduction approach aiming to connect participants to permanent housing while empowering them to achieve their self-identified goals.

Ni-Apin services provided are holistic and based on AHWC’s medicine wheel approach and represent our philosophy of intervention, prevention, treatment, aftercare and promotion. Services are private and confidential and are provided in a welcoming, non-judgmental environment.

Program Goals

To provide housing solutions for urban indigenous persons who are experiencing or are at-risk of homelessness and facing multiple barriers (personal or systematic).

To provide customized, culture-based, holistic and pragmatic supports to achieve long term improvement in the quality of life of our program constituent’s.

Criteria

Services will be provided for urban indigenous program participants who are experiencing homelessness and may be experiencing multiple barriers accessing services and/or actively participating in programming services.

• Experiencing homelessness.
• Living with mental health or addictions.
• Are of Indigenous ancestry (Metis, Inuit, or First Nation).
• Reside in the City of Winnipeg.
• Want to make positive changes and move toward a healthier lifestyle.
• 18 years or older.

Program Objectives

• To connect participants to permanent housing.
• Securing appropriate and widely dispersed housing in the community to urban Aboriginal persons who are homeless and facing multiple barriers.
• To provide program participants with portable, individualized supports and services as a response to the participant’s distinctive needs.
• To provide services/programs that empower the participant and promote self-sufficiency.

Programs and Services include

Cultural Supports

• Elder, traditional services
• Sharing Circles
• Teaching Circles

Services and Supports

• Housing search/procurement
• Home visits
• Individualized case plans (ICP)
• Advocacy supports
• Referral services
• One-to-one counselling
• Supports to obtain primary care services
• Food security

Drop-In

• Cultural activities
• Make n take
• Arts and crafts
• Access to computer & telephone
• Social Engagement

Intake

All intakes for Ni-Apin are done through Naatamooskakowin (Winnipeg Coordinated Access Points).

Drop-in Intakes are now being offered at the following locations:

• Every Tuesday
  Millennium Library
  251 Donald Street
  10:00 am – 2:30 pm

• Every Friday
  Siloam Mission
  300 Princess Street
  9:00 am – 1:30 pm