Housing First Program Expands – City of Yellowknife
May 24, 2017
The City of Yellowknife, in partnership with the Government of Canada and the YWCA NWT, is hosting a Housing First for Families official contract signing event on Friday, May 26th, 2017 at 1:00 p.m. in City Hall Council Chamber.
A contract to deliver a Housing First for Families program in Yellowknife has been awarded to the YWCA NWT by the City of Yellowknife. Funding for the program is provided through the Federal Government’s Homelessness Partnering Strategy.
The Housing First for Families program is an addition to the Housing First Program, awarded by the City of Yellowknife on August 26, 2016 with funding from the Federal Government’s Homelessness Partnering Strategy to the Yellowknife’s Women’s Society, and which currently houses 10 individuals in Yellowknife.
Housing First is an evidence-based approach that focuses on providing people experiencing homelessness with housing as quickly as possible. The City’s Community Advisory Board, chaired by City Councillor Linda Bussey, has made Housing First a priority within its Community Plan.
“The Government of Canada is proud to support YWCA NWT through the Homelessness Partnering Strategy. This newly established Housing First for Families program will help to prevent and reduce homelessness in the community while empowering homeless individuals, including women and Indigenous Canadians, to build better lives for themselves.” – Michael McLeod, MP for Northwest Territories
“Evidence demonstrates that Housing First is an effective approach to reducing homelessness and one that often leads to a reduction in the use of other public services. The City continues to support this model and we look forward to building on our success and expanding it to Yellowknife families.” – Mayor Mark Heyck.
“The YWCA is interested in applying Housing First principles to help homeless families stabilize their housing. Providing permanent housing allows the family to focus on meeting their other non-residential needs and goals for a secure future.” – Lyda Fuller, Executive Director, YWCA Northwest Territories.
Media and public are invited to join the signing event at City Hall.
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For Administrative Inquiries:
Stephanie Vandeputte
Acting Director Communications & Economic Development
(867) 920-5600
[email protected]
For Community Advisory Board inquiries:
Linda Bussey,
City Councillor & Chair Community Advisory Board
[email protected]
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