The Northwest Territories Health and Social Services Authority announced today that the NWT Disabilities Council is the successful proponent after a request for proposals seeking bids for an operator of the Yellowknife Day and Sobering Centre.
The Sobering and Day Centre have become a central part of efforts to address homelessness and addictions issues in the downtown core of Yellowknife. This service has helped hundreds of individuals who have accessed services thousands of times in the first year of operations of the combined centre.
“I want to recognize our partners and the group of neighbours who have dedicated much time, thought and advocacy to get us to this point,” Sue Cullen, Chief Executive Officer of NTHSSA said. “Ensuring we build a partnership that allows us to collaborate and make improvements to this program is a critical factor in our success. This is important work and I believe that as we continue to improve this program and layer on additional services we will continue to make a positive impact in the daily lives of some of our territories most vulnerable residents.”
This work has not been without challenges and in order to address ongoing issues a regular group of partners including the NTHSSA, the NWT Disabilities Council, the City of Yellowknife and the RCMP have had regular meetings with a core group of neighbours to understand how this service can be improved.
At the renewal of the contract for operations of the centre a Good Neighbour Agreement will be implemented that will formalize this partnership and provide a continued venue for collaboration.
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