Housing First
Housing First Program
The Housing First program supports individuals who have experienced chronic or long-term homelessness by helping them access and maintain safe and stable housing. Our approach is focused on providing housing first and then working with each resident on the other areas of their life where they may need support.
Our team provides ongoing case management and works closely with residents on things such as income assistance, identification, health care, mental health and addictions supports, treatment referrals, employment, life skills, and connecting with other community services. We also work with landlords and community partners to help residents maintain their housing and work toward greater stability and independence.
Upcoming Initiatives
Some of our upcoming initiatives include continuing to build stronger partnerships with local landlords, housing providers, government, and community organizations to create more housing opportunities for individuals experiencing homelessness.
We are also focusing on strengthening the supports available to our residents, including better connections to treatment, health and wellness services, employment opportunities, and other community resources. Another ongoing priority is helping residents work toward their individual goals and supporting successful transitions into more independent and permanent housing when they are ready.
The core principles of housing first are:
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Immediate access to permanent housing with no housing readiness requirements
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Consumer choice and self-determination
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Recovery orientation
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Individualized, recovery-oriented, and client-driven supports
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Social and community integration
The Yellowknife Housing First Program began in September of 2016, and reached our goal of supporting twenty participants in December 2017. Our program staff consists of one team lead and three service coordinators. Program staff are responsible for assisting clients with finding and moving into their new apartment, assisting with furnishing, income support and insurance arrangements, and goal setting. Program staff meet with housing first participants in their homes at minimum once per week, and assist participants with accessing appointments and other needs that they need assistance to meet. Participants in the program also have 24-hour access to a staff member on rotating on-call, to be contacted in case of emergency.
Contact
Individuals interested in the Yellowknife Housing First Program, or who would like to arrange donations of furniture or other items, can contact the Housing First Manager at (867) 447-4551