ABOUT NA-ME-RES
Helping Aboriginal men in Toronto lead healthy, self-determined lives.
In 1985, Na-Me-Res began offering emergency shelter to Toronto-based Aboriginal men who were without a place to live. The 26-bed shelter grew quickly to accommodate the growing needs of the community and as a greater understanding of the underlying reasons for Aboriginal homelessness emerged, Na-Me-Res implemented support programs to address those causes.
Today, the Na-Me-Res Housing initiatives include:
- A 69-bed emergency shelter at Bathurst St. and St. Clair Ave. West
- Sagatay, a nationally-recognized transitional housing program
- O’Gitchidaa Mushkiki Wigwam, a long-term independent housing initiative
Our Programming has also evolved to include:
- Cultural connection and identity such as a sweat lodge, hand drumming, and traditional teachings
- A Medicine Wheel Garden at Hillcrest Park
- Elder outreach for street homeless men to connect with their culture
- Life skills workshops on healthy living, literacy, financial literacy, and employment
- Integration assistance for men leaving the criminal justice system
- Addiction and mental health support and counselling
- Workshops on creative writing, photography, and reiki
- A support community for Aboriginal men in the Toronto area team
The Na-Me-Res team meets the physical, mental, spiritual, and emotional needs of our clients wherever they are on their journey. We are traditional Elders & teachers, case managers, counsellors, client care and support workers, street outreach workers, housing support and aftercare workers, Registered Nurses, Oshkabaywis (spiritual helpers), and a life skills coordinator. Na-Me-Res also partners with psychiatrists, doctors, and many other community service providers.
Na-Me-Res is a registered charity that relies on the generosity of the government as well as public and private donations. Find out more about how you can support Na-Me-Res or make a donation now.
The Na-Me-Res Logo
The sweat lodge is a sacred Aboriginal ritual that helps people become rebalanced and refocused. The ceremony is a step toward our connection to all living beings and the Creator. When the ritual is complete, we emerge reborn and renewed with the ability to walk the red road. To walk the red road is to know sacrifice and suffering; it is to understand humility.
Na-Me-Res proudly facilitates that transformation in our clients by providing a safe space for them to learn, grow, and thrive.
