This is a joint news release between the Government of Yukon and the Safe at Home Society.
The Government of Yukon and the Safe at Home Society have finalized a winter housing initiative that aims to support housing stability for Yukoners experiencing homelessness. Through this initiative, Yukoners currently living at the Temporary Housing Project will be supported to maintain their tenancy throughout the winter months with additional rooms being made available to new residents.
With nearly $700,000 in funding provided by the Government of Yukon, the number of individuals supported at the Temporary Housing Project will increase to 30. This funding will extend the program until March 31, 2024. The Safe at Home Society will offer comprehensive support to residents, including case planning, home management and life-skills development, all guided by a harm-reduction and trauma-informed approach. Additionally, all individuals will receive assistance in locating permanent housing arrangements prior to the initiative ending.
The housing units will be tenanted from the By Name List, which is a real-time list of individuals currently experiencing homelessness in Whitehorse.
As colder temperatures approach, the winter housing initiative with the Safe at Home Society is a real action to help alleviate the pressure of homelessness faced by vulnerable Yukoners. This initiative provides wrap-around support to meet the needs of residents and help them retain tenancy, increase their independence and reach their goals.
– Minister of Health and Social Services Tracy-Anne McPhee
To date, our Temporary Housing Project has seen great success, with zero evictions and 7 tenants moving into permanent housing directly from the program. We’re developing a real sense of community and ultimately, a feeling of home for individuals who have existing barriers to accessing emergency shelter and permanent housing. We appreciate the opportunity to continue this program.
– Safe at Home Society executive director Kate Mechan
The Government of Yukon is providing Safe at Home Society $699,946 in funding for the winter housing initiative from October 1, 2023 to March 31, 2024.
With this funding, the number of individuals who will be supported will increase to 30, across 26 units.
The By Name List is a shared list of people experiencing homelessness to help prioritize support based on need.
The Temporary Housing Project, which provides short-term supportive housing at 4051 4th Avenue, the former Coast High Country Inn was announced in January 2023.
This represents the second time the Government of Yukon has supported the Safe at Home Society in providing temporary winter housing support to Yukoners.
Renée Francoeur
Cabinet Communications
867-334-9194
renee.francoeur@yukon.ca
Zachary Burke
Communications, Health and Social Services
867-334-7986
zachary.burke@yukon.ca
Kate Mechan
Executive Director
867-334-9310
ed@safeathomeyukon.ca