Home Base, a youth support organization in Yellowknife, recently launched a new outreach program and sobering space for young people, which has already garnered positive feedback. The program, which began on October 10, utilizes a donated vehicle to pick up youth from 8 p.m. to 4 a.m. nightly and provide safe rides home. The sobering centre, staffed for 20 hours a day, offers four beds and a safe space for intoxicated youth. Before the program, youth had limited options, often ending up in emergency rooms or RCMP cells.
The initiative has been well-received by youth, who feel it provides a trusted, safe environment. However, there are challenges, as many youth are intoxicated as early as 5 or 6 p.m., but the vehicle only operates from 8 p.m. To extend service hours, Home Base is seeking additional funding beyond its current support from the N.W.T. Department of Health and Social Services, which lasts until March.
The organization is also aiming to expand the program to operate 16 hours a day and increase outreach in other areas, with an estimated annual cost of $600,000. The initiative aims to address youth homelessness and addiction to prevent future adult homelessness in the community.
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