Overview
This funding stream was established in 2007 with the goal to provide communities (excluding Yellowknife) with funding for projects that addressed shelter and supported needs for individuals experiencing homelessness.
Homelessness is different in communities across the NWT. The goal of the Small Communities Homelessness Fund is to partner with community projects around homelessness, identified by communities, that address their specific needs for adults and/or youth. Housing NWT encourages communities to think outside the box when applying for this funding as it can be used for a wide variety of projects. Examples of community projects may include:
- Community planning to reduce homelessness.
- Support programs for those experiencing homelessness,
- Supplies to support individuals experiencing homelessness (e.g.: clothing or furniture banks, rent supplements & vouchers).
In the past, the Small Community Homelessness fund has supported community projects such as:
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A training program in Tsiigehtchic where individuals who lived out on the land and in cabins with no access to store food to learn how to preserve food, and were taught traditional ways of preserving food.
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The purchase of a community freezer where persons experiencing homelessness could store their food, in a community where there were no shelters.
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A drop-in centre for people in Aklavik where they can take a shower, do their laundry, grab food and connect with workers to access supports and services.
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Creation of home repair and maintenance program policy and procedures (K’asho Gotine Housing Society)
Available funding
Funding is available for up to three years, with a possible renewal at the end of the three-year period.
Applicants that have been approved for multi-year funding do not need to reapply every year but must report the project's outcomes annually.
Deadline
The Small Community Homelessness Fund (SCHF) is available on a year-round basis to all NWT communities excluding Yellowknife.
Housing NWT will assess applications on a rolling basis, and projects will be considered based on:
- Demonstration that the project has been designed to support a known community need.
- Key community partners have been included in the planning.
- The community project is implementable and effective for providing services and support for individuals experiencing homelessness.
- The cost for the community project is appropriate in relation to the community service to be provided.
- The knowledge and ability of the project team members to achieve the proposed stated objectives of the community project is appropriate.
Eligibility
This funding is available to applicants who are supporting community projects addressing homelessness such as:
- Indigenous governments
- Community governments
- Non-government organizations
Partnerships which include the applicant in the above list will also be considered.
*Non-Government Organizations must be up to date with Corporate Registries.
How to Apply
To apply, contact the Homelessness Specialist by emailing NWTHC_homelessness@gov.nt.ca