Yellowknife Shelter Services Transition to Housing NWT

Housing NWT and the Northwest Territories Health and Social Services Authority (NTHSSA) are sharing an important update. Effective April 1, 2026, Housing NWT will assume operational responsibility for the Yellowknife Day Shelter and Sobering Centre. NTHSSA currently manages these shelters.
News Release

Housing NWT and the Northwest Territories Health and Social Services Authority (NTHSSA) are sharing an important update. Effective April 1, 2026, Housing NWT will assume operational responsibility for the Yellowknife Day Shelter and Sobering Centre. NTHSSA currently manages these shelters.

This change is part of the Government of the Northwest Territories’ (GNWT) plan to have a more coordinated approach to homelessness across the Northwest Territories (NWT). Housing NWT already manages shelter services in other regions across the NWT.

Over the next several months, Housing NWT will work closely with the NTHSSA to support the transition. Current shelter staff will also be transitioning from NTHSSA to HNWT and they have been informed of this change.

The GNWT, supported by Housing NWT, is committed to building a stronger housing system to support people in the NWT. By bringing shelter operations and housing services together, the GNWT is improving its approach to homelessness.

“Transferring operational responsibility of the Yellowknife shelters allows both Housing NWT and NTHSSA to prioritize stability and long-term outcomes for residents experiencing homelessness. This transition creates a stronger, more integrated housing system that will allow us to meet residents’ immediate needs while building pathways to permanent housing. We will continue to support staff during this transition so that services remain uninterrupted and residents continue to receive the care they deserve.”

Erin Kelly, President & CEO, Housing NWT

“Shelter services across the territory are important and moving operations into Housing NWT will strengthen service delivery and support for the population who rely on them. Transitioning shelter services, also enables the NTHSSA to focus on health, wellness and social programming to help people better navigate challenges and support healing.”

Dan Florizone, Public Administrator, NTHSSA

Quick facts

  • Effective April 1, 2026, Housing NWT will assume operational responsibility for the Yellowknife shelters currently managed by the NTHSSA.
  • Housing NWT currently oversees shelter services in other regions across the NWT.
  • By integrating shelter operations with housing services, the GNWT is aligning services and strengthening its approach to homelessness. Over the next several months, Housing NWT will work closely with the NTHSSA to support transition, including the transition of all existing staff, who have been informed of this forthcoming change.
Updated: Jan 14, 2026