Housing N.W.T. Takes Charge of Shelters Amid Growing Homelessness Crisis

Housing N.W.T. will take over the management of day shelters and sobering centres in Yellowknife, a move that advocates hope will better address homelessness in the region. This change, confirmed on December 4, 2023, aims to provide a more coordinated approach to homelessness across the Northwest Territories, according to the government’s announcement.

By April 2024, Housing N.W.T. will assume responsibility for operations currently managed by the Northwest Territories Health and Social Services Authority (NTHSSA). James Tolley, director of homelessness for Housing N.W.T., assured that the transition would not result in job losses and that shelter services would continue uninterrupted.

Tony Brushett, the executive director of the Salvation Army, expressed support for the change, stating it was a “good move.” He highlighted the benefits of consolidating shelter operations under a single director, allowing for unified efforts to address the needs of the population served. “We can have a united voice,” Brushett said, emphasizing the importance of collaboration in tackling homelessness.

The move comes at a critical time as many individuals in Yellowknife face severe winter conditions. As temperatures plunge, those without stable housing often find themselves in life-threatening situations. Brushett noted that men at the shelter currently must leave their beds by 6:30 a.m., a practice he described as “not humane.” He advocated for the need for a 24-hour shelter in the city to alleviate the suffering of those who sleep rough.

In the government’s announcement, Erin Kelly, president and CEO of Housing N.W.T., stated that the transition would bring much-needed stability and facilitate long-term planning for permanent housing solutions. Dan Florizone, the public administrator of NTHSSA, added that this shift would allow the health agency to concentrate on its core health and wellness programs.

The announcement has been met with cautious optimism among advocates. Peter Adourian, a lawyer representing individuals living in encampments near the Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre, believes that consolidating shelter services is a step in the right direction. He expressed hope that the future wellness and recovery centre, which will replace existing shelters, would enhance support for vulnerable individuals.

Adourian also welcomed the news of 24 transitional housing units at the airport, constructed with federal funding to address the growing number of encampments. He noted that these units could provide essential relief to individuals currently enduring harsh conditions. “Heating a tent in –30 degrees Celsius is treacherous and a matter of life or death,” he said, underscoring the urgency of the situation.

Despite the positive developments, Adourian remains skeptical about Housing N.W.T.’s ability to manage the expanded responsibilities effectively. He pointed to a recent report from the auditor general which criticized the organization’s record-keeping and response to housing needs. Adourian stated, “Housing N.W.T. is scrambling to improve and meet the demands of this year’s challenges.”

As residents continue to face dire circumstances, the need for immediate action remains pressing. Adourian urged that “every person who is sleeping outdoors can be housed and should be housed.” He highlighted the moral imperative to not allow individuals to suffer in extreme weather conditions, stating, “Nobody should be sleeping outside in –20, –30 degrees.”

The transition of shelter responsibilities to Housing N.W.T. marks a significant shift in the approach to addressing homelessness in the Northwest Territories. As the organization prepares for this new role, the hope is that it will lead to improved conditions and ultimately help those in need find stable housing solutions.