In a joint coordination between the GNWT, the City of Yellowknife, and the Salvation Army, a brand new Transitional Housing Centre has just been announced, designed to aid local residents who are recovering from addictions.
This program, known as “Transitional Housing for Addictions Recovery Program” (THARP), will be providing a clean and sober environment for the residents to stabilize their lives and get themselves back into the community.
(Photo by Connor Pitre/True North FM Staff)
Speaking at the announcement ceremony, Lesa Semmler, the Minister of Health and Social Services, discussed the importance of this milestone for both the city, and the NWT.
“For the first time, residents will have access to both addictions recovery support, and safe, transitional housing within the Territory. THARP is a great example of how the GNWT is working with municipalities and community organizations to provide accessible addictions support for healing that truly meets the needs of NWT residents.
(Photo by Connor Pitre/True North FM Staff)
(Photo by Connor Pitre/True North FM Staff)
“The Department of Health and Social Services will work closely with the Salvation Army, which will run the residence and deliver programming. This home will provide stable, sober housing, and help residents reconnect with their communities while accessing the services, supports, and healthcare they need to continue their recovery journey.”
The home was purchased and renovated at a price of $1.3 million through the City of Yellowknife’s participation in the federal government’s Reaching Home strategy.
(Photo by Connor Pitre/True North FM Staff)
Tony Brushett, the Executive Director of the Yellowknife Salvation Army, shared his excitement for this new project.
“This Transitional Housing Addiction Recovery Program (THARP) has been a dream of ours, along with the City of Yellowknife, The Government of the Northwest Territories, and the Government of Canada, through Reaching Home for several years now. And while we are excited that the THARP house will be opening in the coming days, we are more excited about the very really possibility of changing, and even saving lives, as we bring individuals back from addictions treatment programs down south, and have them move in with 24/7 supports, with the ultimate goal of assisting each person to become the best version of themselves possible.”
The home will be providing aid to around five people at a time, and will always have at least two staff members on site at any given time. It is expected that the home will be fully operational and open for clients sometime in April.
