Mr. Speaker, I have a return to Written Question 12-14(2) asked by Mr. Bell to the Minister responsible for the Northwest Territories Housing Corporation concerning residents of the Home for the Homeless.
In response to your specific questions:
- Is the Minister aware that the homeless residents were to be evicted on March 27, 2000?
I was not aware that the occupants were to be out of the shelter by March 27th specifically. However, I was aware that the occupants were to be out of the shelter toward the end of March. The Housing Corporation advised the homeless shelter's supervisor verbally at a meeting in early March that the 27th was to be the cut off date.
The shelter supervisor was again contacted on March 27th and told that it was okay for the remaining five individuals to remain in the shelter until March 31st. This will allow them time to access income support and the Salvation Army.
Captain Al Hoeft at the Salvation Army has been contacted and he advised that none of the remaining shelter occupants have inquired about shelter and that the claims of no vacancies are unfounded. There has been room for people provided they show up by curfew.
- Were the shelter residents previously aware that they had until March 31st to find alternate living arrangements?
No. Instructions to the supervisor were to have the occupants out by March 27th. However, he may have misinterpreted this and advised the occupants otherwise.
- What is the Minister prepared to do to assist people who are now without any place to stay?
Prior to announcing that the people were to vacate, arrangements were made with the Salvation Army to ensure people had a place to stay. None of the remaining occupants have contacted the Salvation Army to date.
- Is there any form of emergency assistance these residents can access if there is no room at the Salvation Army?
There has been room at the Salvation Army as long as people access it in accordance with their rules. Additionally, the Salvation Army has stated in the past, that they will not turn people away during the cold weather.
- Will the Minister ensure he will look into how this situation took place to ensure residents are not placed on the street with just hours of notice given?
I have looked into the situation further, and the occupants of the shelter can remain until March 31st to allow them time to make alternative arrangements such as contacting the Salvation Army and/or income support. In addition, the Department of Education, Culture and Employment has arranged for an additional five beds at the Salvation Army to help deal with the closing of the shelter.