Call for Proposals: Reaching Home Special Projects (Canada)

The City of Yellowknife’s Reaching Home Special Projects funding provides up to $300,000 for one-time, time-limited projects that strengthen the local homelessness response system. The funding supports initiatives that improve housing stability, prevent homelessness, enhance service coordination, improve data systems, and build community capacity.

Eligible non-profit organisations can apply for projects that address community needs, fill service gaps, support housing services, improve client outcomes, strengthen Coordinated Access systems, and enhance homelessness planning and performance measurement in Yellowknife.

What is the Reaching Home Special Projects Funding?

The Reaching Home Special Projects funding stream supports short-term initiatives that improve the homelessness response system in Yellowknife.

The funding is provided through the Government of Canada’s Reaching Home programme and administered locally by the City of Yellowknife.

The programme aims to help communities:

• Prevent and reduce homelessness
• Improve access to housing services
• Strengthen support systems for vulnerable populations
• Increase collaboration among service providers
• Improve planning, reporting, and data-driven decision-making

Funding Amount and Project Duration

Key funding details include:

• Maximum available funding: Up to $300,000
• Funding type: One-time, time-limited project support
• Location: Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, Canada

Projects must align with the requirements of the Reaching Home Directives.

Purpose of the Funding

The funding supports initiatives that strengthen Yellowknife’s homelessness response system by focusing on:

• Addressing identified community needs
• Filling gaps in homelessness services
• Building local service capacity
• Improving housing supports
• Preventing homelessness
• Strengthening system coordination
• Improving data quality and reporting

The goal is to create a more effective and integrated approach to supporting individuals and families experiencing or at risk of homelessness.

Who is Eligible?

Eligible applicants include:

• Non-profit organisations

Applicants should propose projects that directly strengthen Yellowknife’s homelessness response system.

Projects must:

• Address local homelessness needs
• Follow Reaching Home Directives
• Demonstrate community benefit
• Support improved housing outcomes

Eligible Project Activities

The funding supports a broad range of activities designed to prevent and reduce homelessness.

Housing Support and Housing Stability Services

Projects may support individuals in finding and maintaining stable housing through:

• Housing search assistance
• Housing placement services
• Short-term rental support
• Assistance setting up new housing
• Housing retention support

These services help people move from homelessness or housing instability into safer and more permanent housing situations.

Homelessness Prevention and Shelter Diversion

Projects may support people who are at immediate risk of homelessness by providing:

• Shelter diversion services
• Early intervention support
• Housing problem-solving assistance
• Support to avoid emergency shelter entry

The funding can also assist individuals leaving public systems, including:

• Healthcare systems
• Correctional systems
• Child welfare systems

These supports help prevent people from becoming homeless after discharge or transition.

Client Support Services

Eligible activities may include services that address individual needs, such as:

Basic Needs Support

Examples include:

• Essential items
• Immediate stabilization assistance
• Support during housing transitions

Clinical and Treatment Coordination

Projects may support:

• Access to health services
• Treatment coordination
• Connection with specialised supports

Employment and Income Assistance

Activities may include:

• Employment support
• Income assistance navigation
• Financial stability support

Social and Community Integration

Projects may help individuals:

• Build community connections
• Access social supports
• Improve long-term stability

Capital Investments

Funding may support capital improvements related to homelessness services.

Eligible capital activities may include:

• Building shelters
• Renovating existing facilities
• Improving transitional housing
• Enhancing supportive housing facilities
• Upgrading service locations for people experiencing homelessness

Capital projects must support homelessness response goals.

System Coordination and Data Improvement

The programme also supports improvements to the overall homelessness response system.

Eligible activities may include:

Strengthening Coordinated Access Systems

Projects may improve:

• Service referrals
• Client pathways
• Collaboration between providers
• Access to housing supports

Improving HIFIS Data Quality

Projects may support better use of the:

Homeless Individuals and Families Information System (HIFIS)

Activities may include:

• Improving data collection
• Enhancing reporting accuracy
• Strengthening information management

Planning and Performance Measurement

Projects may improve:

• Programme planning
• Outcome tracking
• Reporting processes
• Performance evaluation

Why It Matters

Homelessness requires coordinated responses that address both immediate needs and long-term housing stability.

The Reaching Home Special Projects funding helps communities:

• Support individuals experiencing homelessness
• Prevent housing loss
• Improve access to services
• Strengthen partnerships
• Make better decisions using reliable data

By investing in system improvements and direct supports, the programme contributes to a stronger homelessness response network in Yellowknife.

How to Apply for Reaching Home Special Projects Funding

Eligible organisations should prepare a proposal that demonstrates how their project will strengthen the homelessness response system.

Step 1: Identify a Community Need

Applicants should explain:

• The homelessness challenge being addressed
• The affected population
• Existing service gaps

Step 2: Develop a Project Plan

The proposal should include:

• Project objectives
• Planned activities
• Target participants
• Expected outcomes
• Implementation timeline

Step 3: Demonstrate Alignment with Reaching Home Priorities

Applicants should show how the project supports:

• Homelessness prevention
• Housing stability
• Service coordination
• Data improvement
• System integration

Step 4: Submit the Application

Applications must meet:

• Eligibility requirements
• Reaching Home Directives
• Funding criteria established by the City of Yellowknife

Tips for a Strong Application

Applicants can improve proposals by:

• Clearly identifying local homelessness needs
• Demonstrating measurable outcomes
• Showing collaboration with community partners
• Explaining long-term benefits
• Including strong monitoring and evaluation plans
• Demonstrating effective use of funding

Common Mistakes Applicants Should Avoid

Applicants should avoid:

• Proposing activities unrelated to homelessness response
• Failing to explain community need
• Submitting unclear budgets
• Ignoring Reaching Home requirements
• Not describing expected outcomes
• Overlooking data collection and reporting requirements

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is Reaching Home Special Projects funding?

It is a funding opportunity supporting one-time projects that strengthen homelessness prevention and response systems in Yellowknife.

How much funding is available?

The City of Yellowknife is offering up to $300,000 through the Government of Canada Reaching Home Special Projects stream.

Who can apply?

Eligible applicants are non-profit organisations with projects that strengthen Yellowknife’s homelessness response system.

What types of projects are supported?

Projects may support housing services, homelessness prevention, client supports, capital improvements, data systems, Coordinated Access, and system planning.

Can funding support housing-related services?

Yes. Eligible activities may include housing search assistance, rental support, housing placement, and help establishing new housing.

Can projects support people leaving public institutions?

Yes. Projects may assist individuals transitioning from healthcare, correctional, or child welfare systems to prevent homelessness.

What is HIFIS?

HIFIS stands for Homeless Individuals and Families Information System. It is a data management system used to improve understanding, coordination, and reporting within homelessness services.

Conclusion

The Reaching Home Special Projects funding provides up to $300,000 to support innovative and targeted initiatives that improve Yellowknife’s homelessness response system. By supporting housing stability, prevention services, client assistance, data improvement, and community collaboration, the programme helps create stronger pathways toward safe and sustainable housing for vulnerable residents.