Family Violence Initiative

COMPENDIUM OF PROMISING PRACTICES TO REDUCE VIOLENCE AND INCREASE SAFETY OF ABORIGINAL WOMEN IN CANADA

ECONOMIC CIRCUMSTANCES

Affordable Housing for Survivors of Violence

Program Name:

Aboriginal Elder Support Program

Organization/Community:

Pacific Association of First Nations Women

Location:

Vancouver, British Columbia

Website:

http://pafnw.ca/

Goals and Objectives:

To improve the quality of Elders' lives by providing the necessary means for maintaining spiritual, emotional and physical well-being

Target Group Description:

Elders (women and men ages 55 and over)

Program Description:

The program provides assistance with housing applications and referrals to other agencies as required. Program staff, where possible, will accompany clients to appointments (doctor, dentist, and housing). Staff will also conduct home visits to Elders who are isolated in the area and who cannot readily attend the program on their own. Staff will shop with or for the Elder. The program offers follow up support in the form of accessing community health networks and resources that provide home support after leaving the hospital. Where needed, the program will provide referrals to transitional housing. Elders may be referred to traditional healers that are from the person's territory to provide Traditional cultural support.

Program Successes/Impact:

Assisting clients in obtaining settlements for harms suffered at residential schools. Successfully returning clients to the community in a safe and supported manner.

Key Lessons/Challenges:

Obtaining funding and human resources. Working with Elders who self-medicate; getting them to access treatment.

Program in operation since:

2010.

Program:

Ongoing.