The GNWT announced the transitional housing space near Folk on the Rocks will open in December and will be run by the Yellowknife Women’s Society. The local non-profit will deliver programming and services at the facility, such as case management, life skills development and other programing. The facility will accommodate up to 24 people in modular units.
The new transitional housing space will help make room in the women’s emergency shelter. Gloria Francis, with the Women’s Society, says their shelter has been stretched beyond capacity on some nights.
“I’ve seen our numbers go up to 18 and that’s squeezing everybody in as best as we could, finding blankets from any spot and that we could, find extra blankets and space, whatever we could (do) because of those minus 40 degree nights”
The GNWT said the transitional housing space operator will call for transportation to be available for residents to and from the facility on Hwy 3 to access services and supports in the city.
The territorial government said they intend to work with the centre to help make that happen.
“The facility is made up of modular units assembled into a single building. It includes private bedrooms, a shared kitchen and dining areas, recreation space, laundry facilities, and office space. Safety features such as secure entry, fencing, and surveillance cameras will also be in place to ensure a supportive environment for residents,” said reps with Housing NWT.
Housing Minister Lucy Kuptana said that the new facility is a sign of things to come.
“This new transitional housing facility represents a meaningful step forward in supporting residents experiencing homelessness. It offers a safe and stable place to stay, and the services and supports people need to move toward long-term housing and wellness. We know that some residents face barriers with existing shelter options, and transitional housing helps address those concerns. I look forward to the Yellowknife Women’s Society delivering this much needed support. At the same time, we remain focused on investing in the solutions that communities have been asking for, including more transitional and public housing, because everyone deserves a reliable place to call home.”
