The NWT government says Northwest Territories Integration and Community Services, or NWT ICS, will take over operation of the Inuvik warming shelter next month.
Housing NWT has been operating the shelter – one of two in Inuvik –since 2021.
In a Tuesday press release, Housing NWT said it would “work collaboratively with NWT ICS and community partners to ensure a smooth transition with no disruption to services.”
“This transition supports the Government of the Northwest Territories’ and Housing NWT’s commitment to strengthening community-based service delivery and enhancing supports for people experiencing homelessness,” the news release states.
“By empowering communities to lead shelter operations, programs can better reflect local priorities and needs, ensuring that solutions are informed by community knowledge, leadership and lived experience.”
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NWT ICS, which is based in Yellowknife, previously ran a temporary on-the-land camp outside of the city for people experiencing homelessness. The camp opened in 2024 and closed 10 weeks later.
“NWT ICS brings valuable frontline experience and a compassionate, person‑centered approach that will strengthen supports for residents who rely on the shelter,” Erin Kelly, president and chief executive officer of Housing NWT, was quoted as saying on Tuesday.
Housing NWT transferred the operation of Inuvik’s other homeless shelter to an advisory board earlier this year.
