Grand Opening of Transitional Housing for Addiction Recovery in Yellowknife
Press Release
March 10, 2025
The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT), in partnership with the Salvation Army and the City of Yellowknife, announces the official opening of a new transitional housing program for addiction recovery in Yellowknife. This program provides a safe, sober living environment for individuals returning from treatment, helping them rebuild stability and reintegrate into the community.
Recognizing the gap in aftercare services, the GNWT secured $1.3 million in federal funding through the City of Yellowknife’s partnership with Canada’s Reaching Home strategy to purchase and renovate the home. Housing NWT owns and maintains the property, while Salvation Army operates the program, providing emotional support, life skills development, and recovery programming.
The transitional home offers stability to residents, while they continue their recovery journey. By providing structured support, this initiative reduces the risk of relapses and helps residents build sober relationships, work towards education and employment goals, and transition to safe housing.
The home is expected to begin accepting clients in April.
Quotes:
“Addiction recovery is an ongoing journey, and the transition from treatment back into daily life can be challenging without meaningful support. This new transitional housing program provides those leaving treatment with a safe place to live while continuing to work towards their recovery goals.”
– Lesa Semmler, Minister of Health and Social Services
“This transitional housing program provides a comfortable and secure environment for individuals reintegrating into their community. The journey after treatment can be challenging, and this program will give people the support they need to stabilize their life and regain independence. I am grateful to all our partners who helped make this possible. By investing in recovery we are investing in strong and healthy communities.”
– Lucy Kuptana, Minister Responsible for Housing Northwest Territories
“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.”
– Major Tony Brushett, Executive Director, Salvation Army, Salvation Army
“The City is proud to partner with the Government of the Northwest Territories and the Salvation Army to address a critical gap in aftercare services. This transitional housing program underscores our commitment to the health and well-being of all residents, providing individuals with the support they need to succeed, minimize the risk of relapse, and transition to safe, independent living.”
– Rebecca Alty, Mayor of Yellowknife
Quick facts
- The Yellowknife Transitional Housing for Addiction Recovery Program provides safe, sober housing for individuals completing addiction treatment.
- Housing NWT owns and maintains the home, while the Department of Health and Social Services funds and oversees service delivery.
- The Salvation Army will operate the program, offering emotional support, recovery programming, and life skills training.
- The GNWT secured $1.3 million in federal funding through the City of Yellowknife’s partnership with Canada’s Reaching Home strategy to purchase and renovate the home.
- This program is part of the GNWT’s broader effort to expand addiction recovery supports and develop community-based aftercare options.
- THARP Standards have been developed to recognise Indigenous methods of healing by including land-based addiction programs as a referral pathway to THARP, in addition to facility-based treatment programs.
For media requests, please contact:
Umesh Sutendra
A/Manager, Communications
Health and Social Services
Government of the Northwest Territories
HSSmedia@gov.nt.ca
(867) 767-9052 ext. 49034
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