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Mr. Speaker, as part of the GNWT’s commitment to address homelessness in the territory, Housing NWT offers several client centred programs. Today I would like to highlight some of these programs as well as the investments we have made since the beginning of the 19th Legislative Assembly to support residents experiencing homelessness and those at risk of becoming homeless.

Mr. Speaker, the Transitional Rent Supplement Program was extended, and the funding was increased with a seamless application process to reduce barriers. In April 2021, this program evolved and is now called the Canada-NWT Housing Benefit program, with half funded by the GNWT and the other half by the Government of Canada. In 2021, over 248 applicants accessed the program, and it is currently accepting applications with no wait list. 

Mr. Speaker, the Homelessness Assistance Fund provides one-time funding to applicants for maximum of $3,000. This program is flexible and is available to assist in different types of ways including utility arrears, private market rental arrears, damage deposit, first month’s rent or travel assistance to a community in which an individual has guaranteed housing. Since this program was first offered in 2009, Housing NWT has supported 746 individuals and families to remain in their homes. To date in this fiscal year, Housing NWT has approved 56 successful applications supporting single adults, couples, and families.

Another program that supports people experiencing homelessness is the Shelter Enhancement Fund. It provides Northern communities with funding to repair and improve existing shelters, supporting building upgrades and equipment purchases. Since 2017, Housing NWT has provided close to $750,000 dollars to non-governmental organizations for emergency plumbing repairs, upgrades to electrical systems, security systems, fire alarms, and new flooring and roofs. 

Mr. Speaker, it is only through this kind of partnership approach that the NWT will be successful in addressing the territory’s housing concerns. The Small Community Homelessness Assistance Fund is another good example of partnership. It combines GNWT and community resources to develop innovative supports that help communities address homelessness in ways that make sense for them.

In the past four years, Housing NWT has provided over $150,000 in funding to Indigenous governments and community partners. The Small Community Assistance Fund has supported several community projects including community engagement to reduce homelessness, the introduction of various community food programs, clothing and furniture banks, rent supplements, and vouchers for various essential goods and supplies.  

Mr. Speaker, another program centred around partnership is the Northern Pathways to Housing program, targeting single adults experiencing homelessness. It provides clients with access to permanent supportive housing, rental assistance and case management to maintain their housing.  The purpose of the program is to move people out of homelessness and into a safe place to live, while working with them to one day live independently, maintain their own housing and to address the issues that led to their current situation.

Northern Pathways is now operating in the communities of Behchokǫ̀ in partnership with the Friendship Centre, Fort Simpson in partnership with the Łı́ı́dlı̨ı̨ Kų́ę́ First Nation, in Aklavik in partnership with the Aklavik Indian Band, and in Fort Good Hope in partnership with the Kasho Got’įne Housing Society. Northern Pathways to Housing works with partners to provide wraparound supports to stabilize housing for clients.

Mr. Speaker, Housing NWT supports seven emergency shelters throughout the Northwest Territories. We funded emergency overnight shelters in Yellowknife, Hay River, Fort Simpson, Inuvik, and Fort Good Hope and work with community partners to provide emergency housing for those most in need.

As part of Housing NWT’s Renewal Strategy, the public housing intake application has been redesigned to include social factor points for individual’s experiencing homelessness as part of the point rating system. It now considers an applicant’s housing history, looking specifically at periods where an individual has been unsheltered, emergency accommodations or provisionally accommodated.

Finally, Mr. Speaker, Housing NWT continues to move forward with the Housing Stability Worker Pilot program, which started in Behchokǫ̀ in the Fall of 2018. This strength-based program provides direct support to public housing tenants at risk of eviction through a client centered approach to improve tenancy practices and work towards the household’s goals. The Tłı̨chǫ Government is working with Housing NWT to build on this program.

Mr. Speaker, these homelessness programs and partnerships are key to helping the most vulnerable residents and improving housing outcomes for Northerners. Housing NWT recognizes that there is still a long way to go in terms of helping all our residents reach their housing goals. We are proud to be working towards putting these goals within reach for many Northerners. We will continue to listen, build and work with our partners and stakeholders to address homelessness in the NWT.

I would like to thank the commitment and creativity of Housing NWT staff for taking the direction and initiative to create housing programs to best house and support the needs for the people of the Northwest Territories. Your time and effort is greatly appreciated.

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.