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GNWT Partners with Métis Local #51 to Strengthen Hay River Homeless Shelter Services

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by ahnationtalk on December 5, 202455 Views


December 5, 2024

The Government of the Northwest Territories has committed $445,000 annually to a new partnership in Hay River that delivers life-changing support to vulnerable residents. Since October 1, 2024, the Hay River & Area Métis Local #51 has successfully taken over operations of the Hay River Homeless Shelter. With funding and training support provided by the Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT), the shelter continues to provide essential emergency services to people in need.

This 15-bed shelter provides a safe haven for individuals experiencing homelessness, offering overnight accommodations, warm meals, and critical resources. Since transitioning to Métis Local #51 management, the shelter has continued to operate effectively, ensuring uninterrupted access to this vital community service.

The GNWT has committed $445,000 annually to support the shelter’s operations, including $370,000 from Housing NWT for daily operations and $75,000 from the Department of Health and Social Services for day programming. Additional funding from the Government of Canada through the federal Reaching Home program further strengthens the shelter’s ability to deliver essential services.

To help strengthen shelter operations, the GNWT has provided specialized training for staff focusing on safety, mental health support, and case management. These efforts underscore the GNWT’s commitment to reducing homelessness and fostering meaningful partnerships with Indigenous organizations, creating pathways to housing, healing, and long-term stability.

This partnership reflects the principles of A Way Home: A Comprehensive Strategy to Address Homelessness in the Northwest Territories, which emphasizes community-driven solutions to help individuals and families achieve permanent housing and improved well-being.

Quotes

“The partnership with the Hay River & Area Métis Local #51 demonstrates the strength of community-led solutions in addressing homelessness. By supporting Indigenous leadership and investing in vital services like the Hay River Homeless Shelter, we are fostering strong and resilient communities. This collaboration reflects our commitment to providing essential support for healing and ensuring that everyone in the Northwest Territories has somewhere to turn and can access to the support and resources they need.”

– Lucy Kuptana, Minister Responsible for Housing NWT

“Keeping with the spirit of truth and reconciliation the Hay River & Area Metis Local   #51 recognize the importance of providing emergency shelter to any Indigenous person and others who find themselves on the street with no where to turn for help – we see the shelter being a home and those using the facility are treated like family.”

– Hollis Dimion, President, Hay River & Area Métis Local #51

Quick facts

  • The Hay River Homeless Shelter operates 24 hours a day during the winter months and offers reduced hours in the summer.
  • The shelter has 15 beds and serves individuals experiencing homelessness in Hay River and the surrounding area.
  • The Hay River & Area Métis Local #51 advocates for the rights of Métis people, promotes Métis culture and traditions, and supports community well-being through various programs and initiatives.
  • Métis Local #51’s management of the shelter reflects its commitment to providing essential support to vulnerable residents while strengthening community resilience.

The GNWT’s A Way Home strategy provides a framework for reducing homelessness through collaborative, community-driven approaches.

For media requests, please contact:
Jeanne Yurris
Communications Manager
Housing NWT
Government of the Northwest Territories
Jeanne_Yurris@gov.nt.ca
(867) 767-9328 ext. 85031

Hay River Métis Local 51
hrlocal51@gmail.com

Hay River and Area Metis Local #51

NT5

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