Yellowknife’s city council approved a 10-year strategy in 2017 with the goal of eradicating homelessness in the city. The plan aims to ensure that homelessness is prevented whenever possible by 2026, making it a rare and short-lived occurrence. Despite this vision, individuals like Louisa Yukon continue to face homelessness in Yellowknife.
Yukon, who has been homeless in Yellowknife since April, shared her challenges, emphasizing the supportive community spirit among those facing similar circumstances. Homelessness has been a prominent issue in Yellowknife’s ongoing municipal elections, with discussions on solutions and the fate of encampments during the winter months.
In a conversation with CBC, Yukon highlighted the need for a better understanding of addiction issues and expressed the desire for quicker access to treatment services. She advocated for the establishment of a treatment center to address addiction promptly. Additionally, she suggested the creation of a safe consumption site and a 24/7 shelter to provide individuals with a secure environment away from the streets.
Jade Carnell, another resident experiencing homelessness, emphasized the necessity for more affordable housing options in Yellowknife. He stressed the need for a larger 24/7 shelter and increased availability of low-income housing to address the housing crisis in the city.
Arlene Hache, from the Women’s National Housing and Homelessness Network, supported the call for affordable housing for low-income individuals. She recommended that the city allocate more land for housing developments, reduce zoning barriers, and support organizations seeking federal resources to tackle homelessness effectively.
Hache also emphasized the importance of improving cultural understanding and ensuring that services are designed and delivered by Indigenous groups, given that a majority of individuals accessing homelessness programs are Indigenous. She acknowledged the city’s efforts in addressing homelessness but highlighted the need for continuous improvement.
The City of Yellowknife’s 10-year plan to combat homelessness remains active, with a focus on community advisory boards and funding initiatives such as the Reaching Home program. Mayor Ben Hendriksen affirmed the city’s commitment to advocating for continued funding to support homelessness initiatives beyond 2028. The plan has played a crucial role in raising awareness about homelessness challenges in Yellowknife and guiding efforts to address the issue effectively.
