Our Services

How to Access our Services

Some First Nations in Canada have successfully set up housing markets on-reserve to address housing needs. However, this achievement required time and commitment. Community leaders and members first had to commit to changing housing in their communities.

This effort involved dedicating financial resources, building capacity, and developing processes for improved housing systems. These communities now enjoy good quality homes, take pride in homeownership, and benefit from economic opportunities.

To help your First Nation access financial support, we developed our Access Criteria, based on the experiences of successful communities and feedback from First Nations and financial institutions nationwide.

Access Criteria are used to assess and qualify First Nations in two key situations:

  1. When they apply for the Fund’s Credit Enhancement
  2. When they receive specific funding from the Fund’s Capacity Development Program.

The criteria apply to First Nations who choose to apply to the Fund. Read on for details about each criterion.

Access Criteria Pillars

Financial
Management

Pillar 1

The First Nation is proficient in financial management, has a track record of meeting its obligations, and maintains a satisfactory financial position.

Good
Governance

Pillar 2

The First Nation demonstrates effective governance & administration within the community. This includes sustainable processes & systems supporting the community’s long-term commitment to housing management.

Community Commitment & Market Housing Demand

Pillar 3

There is evidence that community members support the idea of market housing and have the financial means to afford homeownership and market rentals in the community.

Financial Management (Pillar 1)

Elements Assessed

  • Audited Financial Statements
  • Qualified individuals for financial & loan management
  • History of Debt Repayment
  • Financial Flexibility

Minimum Requirements

  • Unqualified Audited Financial Statements (minimum 3 years)
  • History of Debt Repayment

Good Governance (Pillar 2)

Elements Assessed

  • Good Governance within the Community
  • Housing policy supporting market-based housing
  • Implementation of effective housing management
  • Quality and maintenance of housing
  • Security of land tenure for market housing

Minimum Requirements

  • Good Governance & Administration within the Community

Community Commitment & Market Housing Demand
(Pillar 3)

Elements Assessed

  • Community Commitment
  • Borrower Demand
  • Market Characteristics

Minimum Requirements

  • Community Commitment

Possible Outcomes

After evaluating a community in the twelve categories mentioned, the Fund will provide an Overall Rating:

1. Needs-to-Strengthen

2. Satisfactory

3. Strong

This rating affects the community’s eligibility for First Nation Housing Loan Guarantee Credit (HLGC). The HLGC, in turn, impacts the amount of Credit Enhancement available to lenders partnered with the community. The assessments and Overall Rating are also crucial factors for participating in the Capacity Development Program.

Need more information? Contact us.

Capacity Development Support

The Capacity Development Program provides training, advice, and coaching to improve market-based housing skills for eligible First Nations and their members.

It aims to help First Nation communities that meet the criteria but need additional development in specific areas to qualify for the Fund’s Credit Enhancement Facility.

The goal is to increase and maintain the participation of First Nations in the Facility by promoting the adoption of best practices.

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Credit Enhancement

We help people secure housing loans from banks by using tools like the Credit Enhancement Facility.

The Credit Enhancement Facility is a financial backup for housing loans guaranteed by a First Nation. If a borrower can’t repay, the lender first asks the First Nation for compensation. If the First Nation can’t pay, the lender can request payment from the Fund up to the amount set aside for loans in that community.
It’s important to note that the Fund doesn’t give out loans itself.

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Guidance for Homeowners

The Fund supports some pathways to homeownership for First Nations people, but it is not the only way to get the support you need. The path to homeownership will take some time and can seem complicated. Do not be discouraged – people like you have already taken these steps and are glad they followed this path.

Our job is to help and advise you along this path and to make the way smoother. We are actively looking for other ways to help provide more pathways to homeownership. ​​If you need help at any point, we are here to provide that.

The First Step to Homeownership

As the first step, we encourage you to connect with your Band, as the First Nation needs to sign up with the Fund first. If your First Nation is not currently working with the Fund and wishes to do so, they can get started by contacting us.

Provided your First Nation is signed up and working with the Fund, you may be eligible for financial counselling support to help you access a loan to build, purchase, renovate or refinance a home in your First Nation using an approved bank or credit union. You may also be eligible for homeownership-related workshops that we offer.

To get started, inquire with your First Nation housing department about its homeownership programs, including programs offered through the Fund. You can also send us your inquiry by email at info@fnmhf.ca or by phone at 866.582.2808. Click here to see if your First Nation is currently signed up with the Fund.

  • Reach out to your First Nation Housing Department.
  • Your First Nation must get approval from the Fund for Credit Enhancement;
  • A lender provides financing for the loan to the First Nation citizen;
  • The First Nation then provides the Band Guarantee to the lender for the amount of the loan;
  • The Fund partially backstops the loan to provide more security to the lender.
  • Some lenders have set up special programs for people living on reserve to get loans for building, buying, or renovating a home.
  • Contact your First Nation Housing Department to see if they are collaborating with a lender for these programs.
  • Reach out to your First Nation Housing Department.
  • Some First Nations have a revolving loan fund.
  • The lender provides the loan to the First Nation.
  • The First Nation then provides the loan to the First Nations citizens to build, buy, or renovate a home.
  • Contact your First Nation Housing Department.
  • These are loans to build, purchase or renovate on-reserve housing.
  • The loan is made by a lender and backed by Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) and the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC).
  • You can find more information on this pathway here.

For aspiring homeowners, valuable resources are available that cater specifically to your unique circumstances and needs. These resources encompass a range of topics, including:

  • financial literacy,
  • budgeting,
  • credit management, and
  • mortgage education.

Financial education programs, workshops, and online materials are designed to empower individuals with the knowledge and skills required to navigate the complexities of personal finance and homeownership. Additionally, specialized financial counselling services may offer personalized guidance.

Government agencies, allied organizations, and non-profit entities often collaborate to provide access to grants, subsidies, and low-interest loans tailored to First Nations members’ journey toward homeownership. By tapping into these resources, individuals can build a solid financial foundation and make informed decisions on their path to owning a home.

Discover these resources here.