FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 17, 2025
Every Voice Counts: Poverty and Homelessness Action Week 2025
Whitehorse, Yukon — October 20–25, 2025
This year’s Poverty and Homelessness Action Week (PHAW) runs from October 20 to 25 under the theme “Every Voice Counts.” The campaign, coordinated by the Yukon Anti-Poverty Coalition (YAPC), highlights the importance of ensuring that everyone in the Yukon can be heard, seen, and included—in policy, in data, and in decisions that affect us all.
“People experiencing poverty and homelessness are often left out of the conversations and decisions that most impact their lives,” says Keitha Clark, YAPC Project Coordinator. “This week is about amplifying those voices and showing that participation—whether through voting, data collection, events, or lived-experience leadership—builds a stronger, more inclusive Yukon.”
PHAW 2025 will open with a press launch on Monday, October 20 at 11 a.m. at the Jim Smith Building Foyer, marking the start of a week focused on inclusion, dignity, and action. The event will also offer an invite for people to learn more about the new Lived Experience Circle (LEC)—a group of community members with lived and living experience of poverty and homelessness who will guide and inform the Community Action Plan to End and Prevent Homelessness.
“Every voice counts, every story deserves the space to be heard,” says Kerry Nolan, LEC Coordinator. “We are all equal, and homelessness can happen to anyone.”
PHAW Week Events
Throughout the week, YAPC and its partners will host a range of community events:
On October 21 and 22, the 2025 Point-in-Time Count is being facilitated by the Safe at Home Society. Each number in the PiT Count represents a real person, a real experience, and a real need. The Count, mandated by the Government of Canada, helps build a picture of homelessness in Yukon and informs local and territorial action. For more information: whitehorsepit@gmail.com. To find out more about the 2024 PiT Count go here.
Whitehorse Connects follows on Tuesday, October 21 (10 a.m.–2 p.m., Kwanlin Dün Cultural Centre)— Whitehorse Connects brings together service providers and community members in Whitehorse to offer free essential services and resources. It provides access to services such as health care, social support, haircuts, clothing, meals and more.
Thanks to Coast Mountain Sports / Sports Experts for their donation of warm clothing through the Share the Warmth campaign.
On Wednesday, October 23 (10 a.m.–2 p.m.), YAPC will host an Open House where people can pick up an updated 2025 Surviving in the Yukon Guide—a practical resource for navigating supports across the territory. (Copies of the guide will also be available at the PHAW table in the Jim Smith Building Foyer Oct. 20-24 .)
“This guide responds directly to what we’ve heard from voices in our community: the need for clearer, more accessible information about where to go for help,” says Clark. “It also highlights the unmet needs that still exist in our systems of support.”
PHAW wraps up with the Safe at Home Open House on Thursday, October 23 (9:30 a.m.–4 p.m., 310 Alexander Street), offering drop-in housing supports, a noon lunch of stew and bannock, and a 1p.m. info session on renting in the private market.
Throughout the week, YAPC will also share voting information for people without a permanent address, helping ensure that everyone’s voice is counted in the upcoming Territorial Election.
“Every vote matters,” says Clark. “When people are informed and included, our whole community is stronger.”
Media Contact
Keitha Clark
Project Coordinator, Yukon Anti-Poverty Coalition
867-334-9317 | info@yapc.ca