Nunavut Faces Housing Crisis Impacting Mental Health of Residents

The issue of homelessness in Nunavut has reached a critical point, significantly affecting the mental health of its residents. Levinia Brown from Rankin Inlet shared her personal experiences, highlighting the severe consequences of overcrowding and inadequate housing. Brown’s family has taken in her son and grandson, both of whom are currently without stable housing, underscoring the harsh realities faced by many in the community.

According to Brown, the situation has become increasingly dire. She explained that simple daily tasks, such as cooking for a large family, can lead to intense arguments when resources are stretched thin. “The arguments can become quite intense in this type of situation,” said Brown, reflecting on the stress that overcrowding brings to family dynamics.

Brown’s son has been on the waiting list for housing for over 15 years, living in a boat before being taken in by his parents. “This is really heavy stuff, I know, but it’s reality for us, while our leaders right now only seem to want to hear about nice and rosy stuff,” she remarked.

Historically, Brown noted that homelessness and overcrowding were not issues for the Inuit community until the late 1980s and early 1990s. “There was never a shortage of housing when Inuit lived in iglus,” she pointed out, emphasizing the communal support that existed in the past.

The current crisis can be traced back to ineffective policies from the Nunavut Housing Corporation. Brown criticized the corporation for its failure to implement practical solutions, citing a 1990s initiative aimed at providing separate rooms for boys and girls to combat sexual abuse. “That policy was a dream and a broken promise,” she said, stressing how these failed efforts have a lasting negative impact on mental health.

Although the housing corporation previously prioritized Elders for housing, Brown noted that this initiative has also deteriorated. “It didn’t take long, and that, too, started falling apart,” she said. The ongoing issues of homelessness, overcrowding, and unresolved mental health challenges have created a complex environment in which residents struggle to find stability.

Brown emphasized the mental health ramifications of these challenges. “People often fail to realize the effects on mental health these types of problems can have. It can really bring people down,” she said. Homelessness and overcrowding lead to increased stress and anxiety, making it difficult for individuals to cope.

Despite the overwhelming circumstances, Brown remains hopeful. She acknowledged recent improvements in housing, such as the construction of modular homes in communities. “It looks promising for the future and, hopefully, things will continue moving in that direction,” she stated.

As the community grapples with these pressing issues, the need for effective solutions and support systems has never been clearer. The situation in Nunavut serves as a stark reminder of the interconnectedness of housing, mental health, and community well-being.