Yellowknife city council made a decision in 2017 to implement a 10-year strategy with the goal of eradicating homelessness within the city by 2026. The primary aim of the plan is to ensure that homelessness becomes a rare and brief occurrence, with prevention being the key focus.
Despite this ambitious vision, Louisa Yukon, a resident of Yellowknife, continues to face homelessness since April, highlighting the ongoing challenges. Yukon emphasized the importance of community support during difficult times.
Homelessness has emerged as a critical issue in the current municipal election in Yellowknife. Discussions among candidates have prompted individuals to contemplate their living situations, including those residing in encampments and Housing First tenants facing potential evictions.
To gather firsthand perspectives, CBC engaged with individuals experiencing homelessness to understand their needs and suggestions for combating the issue. These insights were then shared with a homelessness advocate to assess their feasibility within the city’s framework.
Yukon, who lost her home in a fire years ago, stressed the necessity for enhanced awareness of addiction challenges and quicker access to treatment facilities. She advocated for the establishment of safe consumption sites and round-the-clock shelters to provide essential support.
Similarly, Jade Carnell, a long-time Yellowknife resident, emphasized the need for a comprehensive 24/7 shelter and increased construction of affordable housing units to address homelessness effectively. The call for more accessible housing options resonates with many individuals struggling to secure stable accommodations.
Arlene Hache, from the Women’s National Housing and Homelessness Network, echoed the importance of affordable housing initiatives and emphasized the role of the city in facilitating cultural understanding and access to vital resources. She highlighted the significance of involving Indigenous communities in service delivery to ensure inclusivity and effectiveness.
Despite the city’s efforts to tackle homelessness, challenges persist in meeting the 2026 deadline set by the initial plan. Hache emphasized the importance of ongoing evaluation by lived experts to gauge the impact of policies and service provisions.
The city of Yellowknife remains committed to its 10-year plan to combat homelessness, supported by the Community Advisory Board and initiatives funded through the Reaching Home program. Mayor Ben Hendriksen affirmed the city’s advocacy for continued funding beyond 2028 to sustain homelessness prevention efforts.
While progress has been made, there is recognition of the need for continuous improvement and responsiveness to the evolving needs of the homeless population. The city’s commitment to addressing homelessness underscores the ongoing dedication to creating a more inclusive and supportive community for all residents.