New shelter project to primarily cater to the province's women and children
A new $3.2 million investment by the federal government is expected to support the development of new housing in Hay River at the Northwest Territories.
The multi-unit Family Support Centre project, which will primarily cater to women and children fleeing violence, will also receive $900,000 from the provincial government, along with $310,000 from Rio Tinto and Diane Haché, a retired Diavik Diamond Mine employee.
“The Family Support Centre operates with an ‘open door’ philosophy that is centered around community and is holistic in nature,” said the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC). “In addition to providing a safe and secure place to live, residents will have access to in-house programs and services delivered by existing community resources in areas such as trauma recovery, abuse education and prevention, and life skills.”
Read more: Emergent phenomenon in Northwest Territories
“Women in the NWT experience family violence at levels that are the second highest in the country. Shelters are an important place for women and children fleeing violence to receive emotional support, advocacy, and referrals to other resources,” said Julie Green, the province’s Minister of Health and Social Services. “This new building will strengthen the Hay River Family Resource Centre’s ability to support women experiencing violence.”
The construction of the new shelter, which began last July, is expected to be completed by fall 2022, CMHC said.
