The Ontario Non-Profit Housing Association (ONPHA) presented Brantford Native Housing (BNH), also known as Hotinohsioni Inc., with the Award for Excellence during the 2024 ONPHA Conference, which ran from Thursday, November 7 to Saturday, November 9, 2024.
In a video published by ONPHA on November 9, Marlene Coffey, ONPHA’s CEO, congratulated the BNH team for all of their hard work and their dedication in responding to community needs.
“The Award for Excellence is given to non-profit housing providers who go beyond their housing mandates to build strong communities and partnerships, house under-serviced communities, and demonstrate a strong commitment to effective housing management,” said Coffey.
Brantford Native Housing, which is the only Indigenous-led housing provider in Brantford-Brant, was originally born out of the need for safe, secure and dignified housing for the urban Indigenous population living in the community.
As part of the ONPHA video, BNH staff members, including Danielle Russell, director of capital development and innovation, and Alma Arguello, executive director for BNH, both took the opportunity to speak about the organization and expressed their gratitude for the award.
“At Branford native housing, our mission has always transcended the basic act of providing shelter.We are deeply committed to the belief that a home is far more than just four walls and a roof. It is a sanctuary where individuals and families can feel safe, secure and profoundly connected to their cultural identity. It’s where healing begins, where dreams are nurtured and where the future is envisioned with hope and endless possibilities,” said Russell. “As a for-Indigenous, by-Indigenous agency, we take immense pride and responsibility in the work that we do. At BNH, our housing developments are not merely about constructing homes, they’re about cultivating communities. Given Canada’s difficult history, including the impacts of residential schools, Indian day schools, the 60s scoop and the millennial scoop, BNH is committed to ensuring that our housing programs are culturally informed, trauma aware, and designed to foster a supportive and nurturing community atmosphere.”
With BNH owning and managing over 180 transitional and affordable housing units across the region, Arguello said that while the organization’s journey has been filled with challenges since the beginning, there have also been countless moments of triumph.
“Our staff and board directors have worked tirelessly to ensure that every program and service we provide is rooted in a lens based in sensitivity and respect,” Arguello said in the video. “Whether that’s through our transitional and affordable housing program, which guides individuals from homelessness to stability, or through our extensive outreach and programming services, which offers everything from food provision to culturally appropriate programs, we approach our work with a holistic understanding of the needs of our community.”
Arguello also added that the award has filled her and her team with a renewed sense of purpose.
“It’s a powerful reminder of why we do the work we do. It fuels our determination to continue to advocate and provide essential services that our community members need,” she said. “While this award is a significant milestone, it is not this length of our journey, but rather, it is the beacon that will continue to guide us forward, encouraging us to continue our work with even greater passion and dedication.”
In an email to the Brant Beacon, Shane Bomberry, vice president of the board of directors for BNH, said that the award is not just a celebration of the organization’s achievements, but a reflection of the community’s spirit.
“This prestigious recognition celebrates nearly four decades of tireless dedication and commitment to addressing the housing needs of our community. This milestone is a testament to the extraordinary efforts of our staff, management team, and our devoted Board of Directors,” said Bomberry. “Their passion, resilience, and shared vision have built a foundation of trust and support that continues to uplift our community. At Brantford Native Housing, we remain inspired by the strength and courage of the people we serve. This award is not just a celebration of our organization’s achievements but a reflection of the community’s spirit that fuels our mission. As we look ahead, we are more determined than ever to continue advocating for housing equity and creating opportunities that empower our urban Indigenous community to thrive. Nya:weh to everyone who has been part of this journey. Together, we will continue to build brighter futures.”
Quotes taken, with ONPHA’s permission, from:
ONPHA. 2024 ONPHA Award for Excellence Winner. YouTube, uploaded by ONPHA, November 9, 2024, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H_DV3hDMXNg
Kimberly De Jong’s reporting is funded by the Canadian government through its Local Journalism Initiative.The funding allows her to report rural and agricultural stories from Blandford-Blenheim and Brant County. Reach her at kimberly.dejong@brantbeacon.ca.
