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Yellowknife Women’s Society to operate transitional housing facility
Expected to open in December, the Highway 3 facility will accommodate up to 24 individuals
The Yellowknife Women’s Society will operate the GNWT’s new transitional housing facility on Highway 3, located across from the Yellowknife Airport, adjacent to the Folk on the Rocks parking lot.
Expected to begin operations in December, the facility will accommodate up to 24 individuals and will provide a structured environment that bridges the gap between homelessness and permanent housing.
The Women’s Society will deliver programming and services at the facility, such as case management, life skills development, and help with employment, income assistance, and housing applications.
Lucy Kuptana, the Minister Responsible for Housing NWT, stated in a release: “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.”
The contract with the Women’s Society also requires the operator to provide safe transportation for residents to and from the facility so residents can access services and supports in the city.
The GNWT stated that shelters operated by the GNWT or non-governmental organizations currently have capacity, but there are individuals that choose not to access them.
This leads to homeless encampments being erected in the city or on Commissioners land.
The GNWT stated that it recognizes that shelter services can come with a variety of barriers, including secure storage, hours of intake, and gender segregation.
Users of some shelters also report safety concerns, as some clients are intoxicated or violent.
The GNWT’s new transitional housing facility:
- Is made up of modular units assembled into a single building.
- Includes private bedrooms, a shared kitchen and dining areas, recreation space, laundry facilities, and office space.
- Has safety features such as secure entry, fencing, and surveillance cameras will also be in place to ensure a supportive environment for residents.
- It will operate until April 2028, at which time a permanent structure will be completed within Yellowknife City limits.