Mr. Speaker, today I am pleased to share with you some of the initiatives the Department of Health and Social Services has undertaken in the area of homelessness. The Small Community Homelessness Fund is an application-based program currently supporting five projects that benefit homeless individuals in small communities.

The projects include:

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$10,000 in funding to the Rae-Edzo Friendship Centre in Behchoko for a lunchtime soup kitchen Monday through Friday;

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$30,000 in funding to the Salt River First

Nation in Fort Smith for the renovation of a homeless shelter;

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$10,000 in funding to the Acho Dene Koe First Nation in Fort Liard for a “Winter Warm-Up Project” where hot nutritious meals are served on a weekly basis;

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$9,900 in funding to the Zhahti Koe Friendship Centre in Fort Providence for the creation of a Youth Cafe where youth receive hot meals several times per month;

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$41,900 in funding to the Pehdzeh Ki First

Nation in Wrigley for food vouchers for the homeless and the renovation of a church basement for use as an overnight shelter.

As well, Mr. Speaker, in response to the GNWT Framework on Homelessness, the Department of Health and Social Services implemented the Homelessness Assistance Fund in 2006.

The Homelessness Assistance Fund has been well accessed this year by homeless individuals requiring transportation to another community where they will no longer be homeless. The Homelessness Assistance Fund also has assisted numerous individuals at risk of becoming homeless by providing funds on a short-term emergency basis.

Mr. Speaker, the Department of Health and Social Services recognizes that homelessness is a complex and varied issue that cannot be solved in isolation.

In recognition of the complexity of issues relating to homelessness, the department works in collaboration with other government departments to address homelessness across the NWT.

The department is the lead of the GNWT Interdepartmental Homelessness Committee, which is comprised of members from the departments of Justice, Education, Culture and Employment and the NWT Housing Corporation. The Interdepartmental Homelessness Committee has begun the work of revising the GNWT Framework on Homelessness.

Mr. Speaker, as you are aware, the lack of access to public washrooms for homeless individuals has been raised as an issue in Yellowknife. I would like to take this opportunity to reassure you that the Interdepartmental Homelessness Committee is working with the chairs of the Homeless Coalition, officials at the City of Yellowknife and with the Chamber of Commerce to develop short and long-term solutions.

The department continues to be an active member at the table of the Yellowknife Homelessness Coalition. This active group was the force behind

the concept and construction of Bailey House Transitional Housing Project for homeless men and now is directing its energy toward developing a similar service for women.

Mr. Speaker, the department continues to work collaboratively with business, non-governmental agencies, communities, aboriginal groups, and all levels of government, with the shared vision of addressing the issue of homelessness. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.