Home Base Yellowknife was formerly known as The SideDoor Ministries (SideDoor). The name changed in May 2021 due to necessary changes voiced by youth and other community members in Yellowknife. 

SideDoor was established in 1995 and has always been a central location in Yellowknife dedicated to providing housing and life skills development supports for youth.

The organization was founded as a result of an identified need among youth, the community and government to have an empowerment-based program available to youth. Formerly. SideDoor was a Christian youth ministry that existed to instill values, character, and community to empower Northern youth to find fulfillment by providing a safe haven and practical supports.

The vision is: No youth left out. The goals and objectives are: 1) Community: Maintain a culturally inclusive, safe and collaborative relationship with people and groups within our community. 2) Team: Ensure a safe and 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: Home Base YK strives to be a fiscally responsible organization based on transparency and trust.

The following programs are currently offered in the community:

1) Home Base Youth Dorms - a central dorm-style housing program for youth 12-24 with 10 private rooms available. Youth who live here are supported to reach their goals and make the important next steps to be more independent.

2) Youth 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 stay at the shelter and also have access to a shower, food, and other essential items.

3) Youth Centre - open seven days a week in the summer 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. Open five days a week in fall, winter and spring.

4) Youth Housing Program - 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.

5) Communities Building Youth Futures (CBYF) - 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.

7) Education and Employment Program - supports youth 12-24 to reach their education and employment goals. 

8) Recreation Program - This program includes a variety of activities that are fun and provide an outlet for youth to do healthy activities in a supervised setting. Examples of recreation programming at HBYK include: soccer, beach days, snowboarding, woodshop at Makerspace YK, crafting, camping trips, and more.