Open
Shelter Enhancement Program – Renovation
Funding for on-reserve shelter repairs for domestic violence victims
Last Update: May 7, 2026
Funding available
$ 60,000
Timeline
- Open continuously
Location
Canada
Overview
The On-Reserve Shelter Enhancement Program – Renovation provides up to $60,000 per unit or bed-unit to First Nations communities for essential repairs, upgrades, and accessibility improvements to shelters and second-stage housing for people fleeing domestic violence. Eligible activities include health and safety repairs, accessibility modifications, and enhancements for secure play areas and overall occupant security.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase social or community impact
- Renovate or expand facilities
- Renovate or adapt facilities
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 60,000 $
Timeline
- Open continuously
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Health care and social assistance
Location
- Canada
Legal structures
- Non-profit
- Public or Parapublic institution
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Indigenous Peoples
- Persons with Disabilities
- Rural or Northern Residents
- Youth (<40)
- Women
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- All industries
Target groups
- All the groups
Revenue structures
- All structures
Scope
- All dimensions
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Repair and rehabilitation of existing on-reserve emergency shelters for individuals fleeing domestic violence.
- Upgrading second-stage or transitional housing for victims of family violence.
- Modifying properties to enhance accessibility for persons with disabilities.
- Improving safety measures, including secure play areas for children and increased security for all residents.
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- First Nations
- First Nation-affiliated housing organizations operating on-reserve shelters or second-stage housing for victims of family violence
Who is not eligible
- Companies or organizations that do not operate on-reserve housing for people fleeing domestic violence.
- Businesses not affiliated with a First Nation or not operating under a First Nation's housing organization.
- Entities seeking funding for non-repair purposes or for properties that are not existing shelters or second-stage housing.
Eligible expenses
- Repairs required to meet minimum health and safety standards for shelters or second-stage housing.
- Modifications to make the property accessible for persons with disabilities.
- Improvements to ensure safe play areas for children.
- Upgrades to provide an appropriate level of security for all occupants.
Eligible geographic areas
- On-reserve locations within First Nations communities across Canada.
How to apply
1
Connect with program specialist
- Contact your Indigenous and the North Housing Solutions Specialist for guidance
- Discuss your project’s eligibility and alignment with the program
2
Prepare required documents
- Gather required application documents as indicated by the specialist
- Prepare detailed information regarding the scope and nature of required repairs or modifications
3
Complete application forms
- Complete the official CMHC application forms with assistance from the specialist
- Ensure all sections are filled accurately and required information is included
4
Submit the application
- Submit your application and supporting documents via the application portal
- Confirm receipt of your application by the program administrator
5
Await approval decision
- Wait for the assessment and approval of your application by the program
- Do not start repair work before receiving written approval
Additional information
- Work undertaken prior to formal written approval of your application is not eligible for funding.
- An earning period for the forgivable loan is determined based on the amount provided per unit or bed.
- The program may increase the maximum funding by 25% for shelters located in northern or remote on-reserve areas.
- CMHC offers additional programs for on-reserve housing needs beyond this grant.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Shelter Enhancement Program – Renovation Program
What is the Shelter Enhancement Program – Renovation?
The On-Reserve Shelter Enhancement Program – Renovation provides up to $60,000 per unit or bed-unit to First Nations communities for essential repairs, upgrades, and accessibility improvements to shelters and second-stage housing for people fleeing domestic violence. Eligible activities include health and safety repairs, accessibility modifications, and enhancements for secure play areas and overall occupant security.
How much funding can be received?
Shelter Enhancement Program – Renovation Funds up to $60,000 of admissible expenses.
Who is eligible for the Shelter Enhancement Program – Renovation program?
To be eligible for the Shelter Enhancement Program – Renovation program, you must:
First Nations or affiliated housing organizations operating on-reserve housing for victims of family violence
The organization must have providing housing for victims of family violence as a principal objective
What expenses are eligible under Shelter Enhancement Program – Renovation?
Repair and rehabilitation of existing on-reserve emergency shelters for individuals fleeing domestic violence.
Upgrading second-stage or transitional housing for victims of family violence.
Modifying properties to enhance accessibility for persons with disabilities.
Improving safety measures, including secure play areas for children and increased security for all residents.
Who can I contact for more information about the Shelter Enhancement Program – Renovation?
You can contact Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) by email at contactcentre@cmhc.ca or by phone at 1-800-668-2642.
Where is the Shelter Enhancement Program – Renovation available?
The Shelter Enhancement Program – Renovation program is available across Canada.
Is the Shelter Enhancement Program – Renovation a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Shelter Enhancement Program – Renovation is a Loans and Capital investments