Overview
If you're facing a housing crisis, the Homelessness Assistance Fund (HAF) can help. This program offers short-term financial assistance to support individuals and families experiencing urgent housing challenges or struggling to secure long-term housing.
Available Funding
HAF provides up to $3,000 in one payment on a case-by-case basis paid directly to service providers. It can be used for:
- Utility Arrears: Prevent disconnection of power, heat, or water.
- Private Market Rental Arrears: Prevent eviction or secure a new rental unit.
- If the arrears exceed $3,000, the applicant must show proof of a payment plan or other financial support to cover the remaining amount.
- Funds cannot be used toward Public Housing arrears.
- Damage Deposit and First Month’s Rent: If you’ve been approved for a new unit.
- Travel Assistance: One-way travel to a community where you have guaranteed housing.
- Encampment Fire Safety Package: Fire extinguisher, extinguisher stand, extinguisher cover, and fire-retardant blanket.
Eligibility
To qualify, you must:
- Be a Northwest Territories resident for a minimum of 6 months
- Be at immediate risk of homelessness and this financial support will help secure stable housing.
- Must not have had sufficient funds in their bank account to cover arrears at any point in the past 30 days.
- Not own a home
Note: HAF cannot be used for internet or cell phone bills. Funds are not paid directly to applicants.
Deadline
Funding is available year-round to residents in all communities across the Northwest Territories.
How to Apply
To apply, you must work with a referral agent to:
- Help assess your situation.
- Complete the application form with you.
- Submit a completed application form on your behalf.
In the circumstances where a referral agent cannot be found, self-referrals may be considered.
GNWT Referral Agents:
- Community Social Worker
- Adult Services Worker
- Community Wellness Worker
- Family Preservation Worker
- Family Community Social Worker
- Integrated Case Management Pathfinder
- Client Service Officer
- Government Service Officer
Non-GNWT Referral Agents:
- Community Social Worker
- Overnight/Day Shelter Caseworker/Supervisor
- Salvation Army Caseworker
- Community Outreach Worker
- Local Band/Government Office
- Family Member or Friend
Contact
Homelessness Programs Coordinator
1-833-966-2281
HAF@gov.nt.ca