The GNWT has responded to SA国际影视传媒's inquiries about the ongoing homeless encampment by Aspen Apartments.
Toyeke Adedipe, a senior communications officer with the Department of Finance, restated that there are about three to four people staying at the encampment, with a total of three tents at the site.
"Individuals within the camp were engaged to assess their specific needs and identify alternative sheltering options," Adedipe wrote.
It is now clearer just exactly what those alternatives are. Other than finding a shelter, Adedipe mentioned that alternatives can include staying with family and friends, accessing various housing programs or returning to home communities where individuals had sheltering options.
"The results of this work indicated that everyone in the camp had access to alternative sheltering options. The GNWT has been closely monitoring shelter occupancy and is aware that, on a few evenings, people have been turned away due to lack of available space. We are actively working on additional measures to reduce the burden on the emergency shelter system in Yellowknife," Adedipe wrote.
She added that there are many reasons why someone at the encampment would choose to stay rather than find an alternative. As exampes, she suggested that they could have a pet, partner, belongings or maybe want to distance themselves from others.
"Each person experiencing homelessness has a unique set of needs and circumstances," said Adedipe. "The GNWT has worked with those willing to engage to help them find alternatives to 51st [Street]. We are continuing to develop additional options to ensure people have choices that best meet their individual needs."
The encampment was established in that location in August.
