The Uquutaq Transitional Housing project is the first non-profit affordable housing project and transitional housing program in Nunavut and has officially opened its doors in Iqaluit Oct. 22.
The grand opening was attended by federal Minister of Families, Children and Social Development and Minister Responsible for Canada Mortgage and House Corporation (CMHC) Ahmed Hussen.
"Every Canadian deserves a safe and affordable place to call home. It is with great pleasure that our government, through the National Housing Strategy, is supporting initiatives like Uquutaq Transitional Housing, so that collectively, we are better able to assist vulnerable populations of all races, age, gender and community, in finding the support they need," said Hussen.
The transitional housing programming will be operated by the Uquutaq Society, a non-profit organization with a mandate to help shelter men who are experiencing homelessness.
The federal government provided $8.045 million toward the construction of the project.
The new 60-bed shelter will provide support services for men experiencing homelessness in Iqaluit consisting of two adjacent buildings (Building 1077 and 1079), as well as an 11-unit rental building with offices and space for programming.
Five of the 11 units will be offered at affordable rental rates according to a news release by CMHC.
"Uquutaq Society provides services that are critical to our community. The new services will provide an increased level of service to support men over a longer term. Uquutaq has raised the bar and shown us what can be accomplished through determination and collaboration," said Mayor Kenny Bell.