Mr. Speaker, I rise today to highlight the progress the Government of the Northwest Territories has made in addressing homelessness, and to acknowledge the ongoing needs ahead. We have taken important steps to remain committed to continuing this work with empathy, focus, and collaboration.
Homelessness is a complex issue that intersects with all areas of the 20th Legislative Assembly's priorities. It is influenced by the suitability, accessibility, and affordability of housing, a strong economic foundation, access to health care and addressing the effects of trauma and ensuring safe residents and communities. Recognizing these connections is essential to developing effective, long-term solutions.
Teams across the GNWT have worked together to transition leadership and ensure a smooth operational handover of A Way Home: A Comprehensive Strategy to Address Homelessness in the Northwest Territories from the Department of Executive and Indigenous Affairs to Housing NWT. The Strategy guides our work and identifies areas of action to address homelessness. This includes enhancing support for those at risk of becoming homeless and improving person-centered services for those experiencing chronic homelessness.
One of the most pressing needs identified in the strategy is to increase transitional and supportive housing across the NWT. I am committed to improving these services for our most vulnerable residents.
Housing NWT and health and social services have collaborated with the Salvation Army in Yellowknife and the Inuvialuit Regional Corporation in Inuvik to develop a transitional housing model tailored to the needs of residents returning from addictions treatment. One five-bedroom home in each community has been renovated and will operate as transitional housing for addiction recovery programs. This program provides a safe, substance-free, and supportive living environment where residents can maintain their recovery, rebuild daily life skills and work towards recovery within their community.
The GNWT recognizes that some residents face various barriers that prevent them from accessing shelters. As a result, some residents establish encampments. We acknowledge the reason residents may choose to sleep rough rather than access shelter space. While this remains an individual choice, we will continue to extend shelter supports and work to reduce barriers for those in need. In response, we have been working to ensure that shelter spaces remain accessible and are equipped to meet basic needs and to increase transitional housing facilities to help people move out of homelessness.
A new transitional housing facility, developed through collaboration between Housing NWT and executive and Indigenous affairs, is set to open on Highway No. 3 in Yellowknife. Offering 24 bedrooms, the facility is expected to begin operations before Christmas. The addition of transitional housing facilities is especially important for residents who are ready to transition out of emergency shelters, but not quite ready for independent housing.
Since January 2024, Housing NWT has helped 18 shelter users in Inuvik transition to more stable housing with the help of our programs, such as the homelessness assistance fund or public housing. In 2025-2026, $4.4 million in contributions are being provided through Housing NWT's six homelessness:
Housing First;
Emergency Overnight Homeless Shelters;
Homelessness Assistance Fund;
Small Community Homelessness Fund;
Shelter Enhancement Fund; and,
Northern Pathways Program.
This funding supports expenses such as one-time financial support for individuals facing homelessness, community-led projects to reduce homelessness and loans to improve existing shelters. Our homelessness programs were developed to reflect the diverse needs of all NWT communities, which is why Housing NWT collaborates with local and Indigenous governments, non-governmental organizations, and community partners to implement solutions tailored to each community.
As we continue to work towards preventing and reducing homelessness in the NWTj, I want to emphasize that our progress would not be possible without the collaboration and guidance of local and Indigenous governments, non-government organizations, individuals with lived experience, and community partners. We deeply value these partnerships and are committed to strengthening them as we work together to deliver housing solutions that reflect the realities and needs of all NWT communities. Quyananni, Mr. Speaker.
