Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Homelessness is spreading in our Territory. Where it used to be an issue or a problem found only in the capital or maybe in our regional centres, it is now evident in our smaller communities.
Homelessness has many forms. Absolute homelessness is living on the street, staying in a shelter on a regular basis, or living in places not meant for human habitation. Relative homelessness is living in spaces that don’t meet basic health and safety standards; condemned buildings, for instance. Hidden homelessness refers to those who are temporarily staying with friends or family -- it’s called couch surfing -- or those who are staying with someone only to obtain shelter, and that includes those living in a home where they are subject to family violence. There’s at-risk homelessness; those who are one step away from eviction, bankruptcy or family separation and thus the loss of their home. Finally, people living with core housing need are considered to be homeless. Their housing does not meet the standards of adequacy, affordability and suitability. We’ve heard much about GNWT’s failure to provide enough housing that meets these standards before and we will no doubt hear Members’ concerns again.
All of these descriptions of homelessness affect residents of all ages of children as well as adults. Late in 2007, early 2008, the report of a research study into women’s homelessness north of 60 was released. The report was comprehensive and informative, but the content was disturbing, Mr. Speaker, and pointed the very real need for action to address the precarious situation of homeless or near homeless women across the North. There is a need in any community for a continuum of housing services.
Here in Yellowknife we have several gaps. We have transitional housing for single women being the most notable one. There are transitional spaces for families and for single men, but not for single women. We’re lucky to have a number of organizations who provide services and shelters to the homeless in Yellowknife, but there’s a particular need here for services for homeless women and the need for a permanent transition home for homeless women.
In February of 2009 the city’s Homeless Coalition opened the Bailey House, a transition house for single men. It’s proved to be very successful. Since its opening, 14 men have transitioned from Bailey House to their own home and we now badly need to provide the same opportunities for single women here in Yellowknife.
Mr. Speaker, I do what I can to support the Yellowknife Homeless Coalition as they work on the Women’s Transition Home Project.
Ms. Bisaro, your time for your Member’s statement has expired.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement.
---Unanimous consent granted
I do what I can to support the Yellowknife Homeless Coalition. I can only hope that our government is doing all it can to facilitate the same project. Thank you.
Thank you, Ms. Bisaro. The honourable Member for Mackenzie Delta, Mr. Krutko.
