The Side Door Ministries (SideDoor) opened in 1995 and has continued to provide support and services to the most vulnerable population in Yellowknife, youth experiencing homelessness. We are a non-for-profit, charitable organization. Since 2015 (when Hope’s Haven opened) SideDoor provides specific support and services aligned with the organization mission to prevent, reduce and end youth homelessness. Our core programs focus on providing Housing and Supports built on the philosophy and principles of Housing First for Youth. With our recent rebranding, Home Base Yellowknife,  we will ensure that we provide housing and support to youth in Yellowknife in order for them to achieve life-long success.

After an unsettled year for the organization, the organization is happy to have a new Executive Director who started in November of 2020. Along with the new Executive Director came an entirely new Board of Directors that has already spent much time looking at the history of the organization but mostly planning for the future.  

The organization has committed twenty-five (25) years to providing services to youth in Yellowknife and the new board will continue to adjust our program to meet the ever changing needs of youth.

The new goals of the organization upon rebranding to Home Base Yellowknife are:

1. COMMUNITY: Maintain a collaborative relationship with the community that is culturally inclusive and safe.
2. TEAM: Ensure a supportive work environment where staff are continually inspired and committed to empowering youth.
3. YOUTH: Provide safe and supportive programs to meet the unique needs of youth.
4. ORGANIZATION: Be a strong fiscally responsible organization based on transparency and trust.

The vision of the organization is: no youth left out. 

Please see a list of the current programs offered by this organization.

Home Base Youth Dorms (formerly Hope’s Haven)

Home Base YK operates a central dorm-style housing program in downtown Yellowknife - there are 10 rooms available and youth who live here are supported to reach their goals and make the important next steps to be more independent.

Emergency Shelter

Home Base YK runs an emergency shelter, open from 8 pm - 8 am 365 days a year. Any youth aged 12 - 24 in Yellowknife who finds they have no place to stay at night, can sleep at the emergency shelter.

Yellowknife Youth Centre

The Youth Centre is open Tuesday - Saturday from 12 noon until 8 pm. Youth aged 12 - 24 can stop in for lunch or dinner, to use the internet, or to participate in programs and educational opportunities. We are applying for this funding to expand the youth centre. 

Youth Housing Program

Home Base YK operates a housing program that supports youth to live in their own space and receive the level of support they need from staff. For some, this may be weekly check ups, and for others it may be regular check ins and support with life skills. 

Mental Health and Addictions Program

Home Base YK runs a program for youth aged 12 - 24, who are experiencing challenges with their mental health and/or with addictions.

Communities Building Youth Futures

The Communities Building Youth Futures (CBYF)  project aims to develop a community strategy to better support youth facing barriers to help them successfully complete high school and successfully transition from high school to post-secondary, trades, or employment.

Education and Employment Program

Home Base YK operates an education and employment program to support youth to reach their education and employment goals. 

Independent Young Person Program (IYPP)

Home Base YK runs a one on one mentorship program in partnership with the Foster Family Coalition of the Northwest Territories for youth aged 12 - 24. This program began in April 2021 and currently offers support to 10 young women and nonbinary people who would benefit from having a one on one mentor that they see regularly throughout the week. 

Supporting Youth Workers

Home Base YK ran a short-term project to provide free training to people who support youth throughout the NWT, to increase their capacity to better support youth. 

Food Hampers for Youth

Home Base YK runs a food hamper program - any youth aged 12 - 24 can apply for a weekly food hamper filled with healthy food. Food hampers are picked up at Home Base YK on Wednesdays.