Homelessness in Nunavut: A Struggle for Housing and Mental Health

Homelessness in Nunavut is creating significant challenges for families and adversely affecting mental health. Levinia Brown, a resident of Rankin Inlet, shared her family’s struggles with overcrowded living conditions and the impact these issues have on their well-being. Brown highlighted the intense stress of daily decisions, such as cooking for multiple family members, which can escalate into heated arguments.

Long Waits for Housing Solutions

Brown’s personal experience reveals the harsh realities many face in Nunavut. Her younger son has been on the waiting list for housing for over 15 years and was living in a boat until recently. To avoid this precarious situation, Brown and her husband, Ron, took him in, along with his son, further straining their already crowded home.

“This is really heavy stuff, I know, but it’s reality for us,” Brown stated. She believes that local leaders often overlook these pressing issues in favor of more positive narratives. Historically, Brown noted that homelessness and overcrowding were virtually nonexistent in Inuit communities until the late 1980s and early 1990s. During that time, families lived in iglus and supported one another.

Policies That Failed to Address the Crisis

Brown criticized the Nunavut Housing Corporation for its ineffective policies. She recalled an initiative from the 1990s aimed at creating separate rooms for boys and girls to prevent sexual abuse, which ultimately failed due to insufficient housing. “How were they going to do that with homelessness and overcrowding? That policy was a dream and a broken promise,” she explained. The ongoing lack of adequate housing continues to negatively impact the mental health of many individuals in the community.

While the corporation did prioritize housing for Elders at one point, Brown noted that this initiative also deteriorated over time. She emphasized that issues like homelessness, overcrowding, and sexual abuse take a severe toll on mental health. “People often fail to realize the effects these types of problems can have. It can really bring people down,” she said.

Despite these challenges, Brown expressed cautious optimism about recent developments in housing. New modular homes are being constructed in communities, and she sees this as a promising step towards addressing the housing crisis. “There are quite a few improvements going on these days with housing,” she remarked. “Hopefully, things will continue moving in that direction.”

As the situation evolves, it remains crucial for local leaders and organizations to prioritize sustainable solutions that address both housing and mental health needs in Nunavut. The community is looking for tangible changes that can alleviate the burdens of overcrowding and homelessness, fostering a healthier environment for all residents.