Glen Korstrom
Northern News Services

NNSL (May 20/98) - Transition abounds at Rockhill Apartments.

On the surface, the building has been transformed from a party-central accommodation for college students to the YWCA's transitional housing complex.

Inside individual suites, tenants are getting their lives on track by building up life skills to prepare them for living elsewhere.

All tenants pay rent only slightly below market value, but from outside, the mustard-colored building looks like a typical apartment building in Yellowknife.

What makes the 36-suite dwelling different is the sense of community or family among tenants.

"We've got a food bank in the building and a clothing exchange," said YWCA transitional housing director Barb Hood. "And the units are furnished from businesses who have donated to the building, so all people have to do is move in."

Utilities are included.

Tenants come to group sessions once a week to discuss issues such as anger management, budgeting and other life skills. The group decides what to discuss.

The transitional housing program moved from Northern United Place to the 54th Avenue complex last September.

It was jointly operated by the YWCA and Aurora College until April 1, when the Y took over full responsibility for it.

"We have quite a diverse set of people and needs," Hood said before explaining that tenants could have fled abusive relationships, be recovering alcoholics or live with short-term disabilities.

"It could just be that they have a bad credit rating or they couldn't get a place somewhere else."

The supportive environment helps tenants feel proud of where they are living while simultaneously fostering social skills.

"Some (tenants) were more isolated and stayed to themselves," said Rockhill coordinator Mike Soloy.

"But we have had yard cleanups, potluck suppers and barbecues."

Many tenants in the 28 filled units have children, most about four or five years old. A day-care and play area is located on the first floor.

There is a waiting list and an approval process for those who want to get in the building. Of the remaining open apartments, three suites are currently being filled, two will be left empty for emergency purposes and the other two are filled by Hood and Soloy.