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Shelter Enhancement Program – Renovation
Last Update: March 4, 2026
Canada
Funding for on-reserve shelter repairs for domestic violence victims
Loans and Capital investments
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.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increasing community impact
- Renovate your business/factory
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
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.
Eligibility
- The applicant must be a First Nation or an affiliated housing organization operating on-reserve housing for victims of family violence.
- The housing must serve women, children, youth, or men who are fleeing domestic or family violence.
- The project must involve the repair, rehabilitation, or improvement of existing emergency shelters or second-stage housing on-reserve for individuals escaping domestic violence.
- Eligible work must include repairs to ensure health and safety, modifications for accessibility, or improvements for security and appropriate play areas for children.
- Work must not commence before the application is officially approved in writing.
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
contactcentre@cmhc.ca
1-800-668-2642
