Pimatisiwin, a Cree word meaning “Life”, is a supportive housing location that provides humane and low-barrier access to services for individuals with histories of trauma and difficulty accessing housing. Previously the Sands Inn & Suites Hotel, the building was converted as part of rapid housing initiatives with support from the City of Edmonton and Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC). The conversion to supportive housing began in 2021 as temporary bridge housing before NiGiNan acquired the building as a permanent supportive housing project. 

The building:

  • Designed for individuals with higher needs, including mental illness, addictions, chronic health issues, cognitive impairment, and trauma symptoms.

  • 55 shelter spaces, 54 supportive housing units, and 6 accessible enhanced care suites.

  • Congregate dining and social area for residents.

  • Cultural support and ceremonies

  • On-site staff provide housing, health, and life skills support.

  • Meal program with breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks and coffee.

  • 24/7 health care and coordinated pharmacy services.

  • Located in Elmwood Park, a mature northeast Edmonton neighborhood.

During the winter of 2024, our temporary winter shelters served more than 100 individuals experiencing homelessness. When the shelters closed in May 2024, residents were transitioned to supportive housing, Housing First programs, and other community supports—not discharged back into homelessness.

On our blog

Watch the Canadian Housing and Mortgage Corporation announce a one-in-a-generation financial contribution to support the renovation of the former Sands Hotel into affordable supportive housing units for people who experienced chronic houselessness.

In the News

Dec 9, 2021 - Former Edmonton Hotel Will Become New Home For Indigenous People Experiencing Homelessness

Jan 8, 2024 - 'Grateful': Emergency shelter space in camp trailers to open Tuesday as temperatures dip

Jan 12, 2024 - Provincial government provides an additional $3 Million in funding for up to 100 emergency shelter spaces!

Resident Stories

Some things that may seem small to some people mean the world to our residents. So far, our residents are finding friendships, achieving goals, feeling safe and reconnecting with family, among so many other successes. These four residents were gracious in sharing their stories from the first few months at Pimatisiwin:

Terra Uchytil and Michael Rogers wanted to have their photo taken together shortly after meeting their first day at the Sands. Michael and Terra became fast friends. They provide each other friendship and emotional support. It is their goal to become roommates and support each other when they are ready to live independently. 

Since moving in, Terra has found sobriety for four days in a row twice, a commitment she states she has not been able to achieve for years. Their bond truly shines a light on reciprocity.

Michael &

Terra

A man wearing all black is smiling, standing beside a woman in a wheelchair. She is smiling and giving the "peace" sign.

Jack

Jack, last name to remain anonymous, came to us from the Bissell Centre in May 2021. He suffers from an almost chronic suicidal ideation, and often walks away from housing due to self-shame. One morning, Jack shared his feelings with a trusted staff member, discussing leaving the home and possibly this world forever. He said he would go for a walk and would not return. He was reminded that he always has a home with NiGiNan at the Sands.

The employee wrote a letter to Jack but he did not read it right away. Instead, he read the letter to himself, memorized it word for word and could repeat every word aloud without looking. It was a letter filled with affirmations and reminders of home. Jack continues to use this letter, to return home and to thank staff for creating this safe place for him to be himself.

Anonymous

A resident who chose to remain anonymous wanted to share her story. She spent her childhood in the foster system and never had a real home. She took care of her niece, who also spent time going through the foster care system, for much of their life. While they both use cannabis, thankfully neither of them struggle with addictions. They find themselves drinking as a way for others to allow them to stay on their couch for a night. Neither of them wants to consume alcohol but would partake to be sheltered.

They were able to be housed next door to each other and we are working on finding housing for the two of them to continue their journey and support each other moving forward. They have both since moved out to live independently, together and are seeking employment.

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