FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
WHITEHORSE, Yukon – A new set of actions have been released to address the challenges of homelessness in the Yukon. Grounded in local data, lived experience, broad collaboration, and national research, these actions highlight the need for housing-focused responses and coordinated supports across the territory.
Released by a coalition of direct service organizations and partners, How To: End Homelessness in the Yukon, highlights early actions that are part of the updated Community Action Plan to End and Prevent Homelessness in the Yukon.
“The cost of housing means that many people are one emergency away from experiencing homelessness,” said Maddie Porter, Community Action Plan Coordinator. “We know from both local data and national research that housing and supports work. Every dollar invested in supportive housing saves more than double in reduced shelter, health, and policing costs.”
The Safe at Home Plan to End and Prevent Homelessness was created in 2017 as a shared roadmap for coordinated action. “We’ve made great progress since 2017 with new supportive housing, real- time data and stronger partnerships,” said Neena MacKinnon, Executive Director of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Society Yukon. “We’ve also seen rents increase by 42%, a toxic drug crisis, and a growing population in Whitehorse. If we’re serious about ending homelessness, we need to invest in people and implement these recommendations.”
The full Community Action Plan will be finalized in the coming months, with a Lived Experience Council launching in October to ensure that the knowledge and perspectives of people who have experienced homelessness help guide decisions around the plan.
Supporting Organizations:
How To: End Homelessness in the Yukon
Media Contact:
Maddie Porter
Neena MacKinnon