Voices Influencing Change is a program for people with lived experience of homelessness, poverty and other forms of social exclusion. Started in 2017 by the Yukon Anti-Poverty Coalition (YAPC), it provides leadership training, advocacy opportunities and peer support by exploring the life story of participants.
Voices Influencing Change participants have worked on a variety of issues and projects ranging from providing input to the Yukon Hospital Corporation’s Strategic Plan, helping to organize Poverty and Homelessness Accountability Week, learning and growing food through the Backyard Garden project, volunteering at Whitehorse Connects and providing input to the Putting People First review of Health and Social Services.
Members of Voices Influencing Change have also provided presentations to Social Justice Clubs and high school classes upon request on issues related to racism, mental health and inclusion.
More than a program, Voices Influencing Change is a safe and supportive space that fosters resilience, equity, and leadership.
The Backyard Garden Project is a hands-on food security and community-building program run by the Yukon Anti-Poverty Coalition (YAPC). Now in its fifth year, the project supports individuals with lived and living experience of poverty, precarious housing, or social exclusion.
Each season, YAPC hires a Master Gardener to provide technical guidance, and a Program Coordinator — a former program participant — to support engagement and continuity. Gardeners engage in every stage of food production and preservation from seeding, soil preparation, planting, and fertilizing, to harvesting, pickling, and canning. With access to eight raised garden beds and a greenhouse located at YAPC’s office on Hanson Street, participants develop practical gardening skills and build community.
The Garden is supported by the Yukon Food Literacy Grant, The City of Whitehorse Envriomental Grant. The Whitehorse Community Thrift Store (SOS Grant) and Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership
Keitha Clark, Voices Coordinator
voices@yapc.ca | (867) 334-9317
Backyard Garden Project- Summer 2024
