Clyde River (May 31/04) - Four new homes are on the way for elders desperate for a place to live in Clyde River.

Instead of building four new public houses, the community decided to put that money toward a facility that will combine elders housing and a gathering place for elders and family.

James Arreak, Uqqummiut MLA, said Clyde River has one of the worst housing situations in Nunavut. "Lots of elders don't have much. This is one way to give them something."

"Elders in our community are already living in overcrowded conditions," added hamlet SAO Denis Simard.

John Corkett, secretary manager of the Clyde River Housing Association, said the entire community is behind this project.

"This has been needed for the last 15 years," he said. Construction will begin after materials arrive on this summer's sealift and should be complete in 2005.