Mr. Speaker, I’m pleased to inform you about the success of the initial year of the Small Community Homelessness Fund. Homelessness is a pressing and complex issue across the Northwest Territories that requires cross-departmental collaboration to make an impact. As a government, we recognize that we need partnerships with all levels of government and community organizations to address these issues and support individuals and communities.
The Small Community Homelessness Fund is an excellent example of a cross-departmental initiative
that supported local government and agencies to create projects designed and implemented by community members. This application-based fund was launched in May of 2007 to all small communities, excluding Inuvik, Yellowknife, Fort Smith and Hay River, and was intended to respond to local homelessness issues through a committee-initiated, -driven, and -implemented project. The Small Community Homelessness Fund provided funding for emergency shelter projects up to $40,000 or homelessness support projects for up to $10,000.
In 2007–2008 the GNWT approved six applications for funding in five communities. Each demonstrated creative use of existing community resources, buildings and skills, and integrated several partnerships to extend the impact and use of the limited funding. A total of $170,000 was provided to organizations to help take care of the needs of the people who are homeless.
I’d like to take this opportunity to share some of the outcomes of the 2007–2008 projects.
In Wrigley funding went to the Pehdzeh Ki First Nation for two projects. A life-skills workshop was held, and work has begun on creating a shelter.
Funding was provided to two different projects in Fort Providence. One is through the Deh Gah Got’ie council to support renovations of an existing building as an additional emergency housing option. The other project in Fort Providence is through the Zhahti Koe Friendship Centre and is a healthy-meals program.
A similar program was implemented in Aklavik to provide weekly meals to homeless individuals. This project enhanced an existing snack program.
The Acho Dene Koe First Nation in Fort Liard received funds to implement their winter warm-up program, which includes a weekly hot nutritious meal, access to clothing banks and an emergency funding program.
In Hay River we have been working with the Katlodeeche First Nation to help them achieve their goal of renovating a three-bedroom home into two bachelor units that will help provide accommodations for the homeless.
The homeless-support projects have been excellent examples of community volunteerism and local solutions to homeless support. The uptake of these initiatives exceeded expectations and demonstrated the need and commitment that is present in the communities through lead projects when some support is provided.
I am pleased to announce that the Small Community Homelessness Fund will be available to communities again in 2008–2009. Information
packages will be distributed shortly to community governments, local organizations, housing offices, interagency committees, community support staff, churches and other local organizers to take advantage of this fund. I would encourage all communities to apply.
I look forward to informing you on the continued progress and outcomes from this innovative project that has created new support for the people of the Northwest Territories. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.