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October 18 2024

Yukon Anti-Poverty Coalition Emphasizes Accountability on Poverty and Homelessness for the 19th Annual Poverty and Homelessness Accountability Week

Whitehorse, Yukon – The Yukon Anti-Poverty Coalition (YAPC) is calling on all levels of government and members of the community to prioritize accountability during the 19th annual Poverty and Homelessness Accountability Week (PHAW), running from Oct. 21 to 25.  

“Poverty and homelessness are not just issues of scarcity—they are issues of equality and human dignity,” said Kristina Craig,  Executive Director of YAPC. “Government and community accountability are the cornerstone of meaningful progress in combating these challenges. We need concrete actions, not just commitments, to address the systemic inequities found in the Yukon.”

This year’s theme, "Accountability for Action," is a reminder that promises must be met with tangible outcomes. YAPC stresses the need for all levels of government to be transparent about the steps being taken to address these issues, with clear timelines and measurable goals.

“Accountability isn't about pointing fingers; it’s about ensuring that everyone, including government leaders and community members are working toward the common good,” Craig added.

For this year’s event, YAPC has asked community members, NGOS, First Nations and people with lived experience what actions they would like to see the different levels of Government take to show accountability on issues around poverty and homelessness.  These solutions will be “planted” in the Garden of Accountability on display in the foyer of the Jim Smith Building  Oct. 21-25.

Key issues that were highlighted include:

  • Affordable Housing
  • Access to Basic Services
  • Improved Support for Single People
  • Accessible Transit
  • Truth and Reconciliation Support
  • Inclusive Decision-Making
  • Support for New Immigrants
  • Increased Support for Food Programs and Indexes

Members of the public are encouraged to attend the Actions for Accountability Rally being held on Friday Oct. 25 and share their own ideas on action items for the Yukon Government. The rally will start at the Healing Totem Pole at the end of Main Street at Noon and then move to the Jim Smith Building (Yukon Legislature).

Also happening as part of PHAW 2024:

  • Whitehorse Connects - Oct, 23: This event provides a space for community members to access a range of health and human services, including tax preparation, veterinary services, housing help, haircuts, free clothing and flu shots.  Whitehorse Connects happens at the Kwanlin Dun Cultural Centre from 10a.m. to 2p.m.
  • Point in Time Count Oct. 22- 23: The PiT Count is a coordinated approach to gathering data that aims to count or enumerate the number of people experiencing homelessness on a single night.

A press launch for PHAW 2024 will take place at the Yukon Anti-Poverty Coalition (509 Hanson St.) on Monday Oct. 21 at 11 a.m.

For more information and media inquiries

  • Keitha Clark, Project Coordinator
    Yukon Anti-Poverty Coalition 
    Phone: 867.334-9317
    Email: info@yapc.ca

About the Yukon Anti-Poverty Coalition

The Yukon Anti-Poverty Coalition works to eliminate poverty in the Yukon through education, advocacy, and collaboration. By fostering partnerships with local communities, governments, and social organizations, YAPC is committed to ensuring that all Yukoners have access to the basic resources and opportunities needed to thrive.

About PHAW

Held every October, PHAW is designed to raise awareness and promote action to end poverty and homelessness in the Yukon. Started in 2005, PHAW has grown to include activities sponsored by a cross section of organizations, individuals, businesses, churches, schools and local media.