FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Whitehorse, YT — June 16, 2025
The Reaching Home Community Advisory Board and the Yukon Anti-Poverty Coalition are inviting all community members to support the development of an updated community plan to end homelessness in the Yukon. The short, anonymous survey invites all Yukoners to share their perspectives and help update the Community Action Plan to End and Prevent Homelessness in the Yukon.
“Whether you've experienced housing insecurity yourself, work in housing or health services, know someone struggling with housing, or simply care about the well being of your neighbours, your input matters” says Madeline Porter, Coordinator of the Community Action Plan. "The Community Survey is one of many ways that we are collecting input and data for the updated Community Plan which we aim to release later this summer.”
The survey is completely anonymous and will take only a few minutes. People can access the survey on the YAPC website, on FB, by dropping into the YAPC office or by finding us at the Fireweed Market on Thursday June 19th and Thursday June 26th.
“A Community Action Plan that actually works must reflect the strengths, realities, and voices of Yukon communities, not just best practices pulled from somewhere else,” says Iain de Jong, President and CEO of OrgCode Consulting. “While there’s solid evidence about what reduces homelessness, it’s local wisdom and lived experience that will make the Plan relevant and real for people in the Yukon.”
At least 140 people are currently unhoused in Whitehorse, according to the By Name List. All responses will help inform the strategy to improve housing accessibility, services, and outcomes for those experiencing or at risk of homelessness.
The survey can be found here.
Survey deadline is June 26, 2025
For more info:
Madeline Porter | (867) 332-5001
Community Action Plan and Governance Coordinator
BACKGROUND
Community Action Plan to End Homelessness
The Whitehorse Community Action Plan to End Homelessness is a local strategy developed to address and reduce homelessness through coordinated community-based actions. Originally created in 2017, the plan sets out goals and priorities to improve housing accessibility, enhance support services, and deliver better outcomes for individuals experiencing or at risk of homelessness. The plan is grounded in a Housing First approach and aligns with federal directives through Reaching Home: Canada’s Homelessness Strategy. The plan is currently being updated to reflect emerging needs, new data, and lessons learned over the past several years.
Community Advisory Board (CAB)
The Community Advisory Board (CAB) is a multi-sectoral group that oversees the planning and implementation of local homelessness initiatives funded under Reaching Home. The CAB includes representation from people with lived experience of homelessness, Indigenous organizations, service providers, and local stakeholders. The board plays a key role in setting funding priorities, advising on strategic direction, and ensuring that community voices shape the ongoing response to homelessness in Whitehorse.
By Name List
The By Name List is a real-time, person-specific list of individuals in Whitehorse who are experiencing homelessness. It is a dynamic tool that helps service providers and policymakers track the number and needs of people experiencing homelessness and monitor progress toward housing them. The list is regularly updated with consented data and enables more coordinated, informed, and client-focused service delivery.