Next year, Housing NWT will take over operations of two Yellowknife shelters including the Sobering Centre and the Yellowknife Day Shelter.
Currently, the facilities are being managed by the health and social services authority. Housing NWT currently oversees shelter services in other regions of the NWT.
According to an announcement released by the GNWT, the change is part of a move towards a “more coordinated” approach to homelessness across the territory.
North Now reached out to Housing NWT on Thursday morning for info on the number of emergency beds currently available. The data was not available, but the number of people using emergency shelter in the city changes daily.
Back in November, Housing NWT said a total of 103 emergency beds were available in the city of Yellowknife, including 39 at the Salvation Army, 14 at the Yellowknife Women’s Centre and 50 at Sobering Centre, but shelter staff reported these were going over capacity on some nights.
Erin Kelly, President and CEO of Housing NWT says the integration will allow better long term outcomes for those facing homelessness.
“Transferring operational responsibility of the Yellowknife shelters allows both Housing NWT and NTHSSA to prioritize stability and long-term outcomes for residents experiencing homelessness. This transition creates a stronger, more integrated housing system that will allow us to meet residents’ immediate needs while building pathways to permanent housing. We will continue to support staff during this transition so that services remain uninterrupted and residents continue to receive the care they deserve,” said Kelly.
Dan Florizone, who is a public administrator with the health authority said that the move will help the organization to “focus on health.”
“Shelter services across the territory are important and moving operations into Housing NWT will strengthen service delivery and support for the population who rely on them. Transitioning shelter services, also enables the NTHSSA to focus on health, wellness and social programming to help people better navigate challenges and support healing,” said Florizone.
The change is scheduled to come in effect as of April 1.
“Over the next several months, Housing NWT will work closely with the NTHSSA to support the transition. Current shelter staff will also be transitioning from NTHSSA to HNWT and they have been informed of this change,” said officials.
