A new transitional housing facility will soon open near Yellowknife, providing temporary housing for 24 people transitioning from emergency shelters to permanent homes. Operated by the Yellowknife Women’s Society, it aims to offer privacy, stability, and a safe environment to focus on life skills, case management, and long-term planning. Mental health support and wellness services will be available through a partnership with the Spruce Bough Wellness Centre.
The facility includes private bedrooms, a kitchen, a dining room, offices, training spaces, and bathrooms. It will also address gender inclusivity and offer space for couples, acknowledging the need for diverse gender support in shelters. Most residents will be Indigenous, and the facility emphasizes respect for lived experiences, ensuring clients have individualized plans based on their strengths and challenges.
While the facility provides job training, mental health support, and cultural services, the key question remains: where will clients go once they leave? The Yellowknife Women’s Society is working on partnerships to secure affordable, permanent housing options. They’ve received $5 million in funding from the N.W.T. to operate the facility until 2028. The goal is to shift service delivery toward personalized, holistic support, and increase community involvement in the process.
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