Vulnerable People at Risk Forums – What We Heard Report Released and Next Steps Announced

Press Release

WHITEHORSE—The City of Whitehorse, Kwanlin Dün First Nation and Government of Yukon are pleased to announce the next steps in the Vulnerable People at Risk initiative, with the help of Yukon government funding.

“Every night there are vulnerable individuals in Whitehorse and while their circumstances are all different they have the same basic need — housing,” said Mayor Dan Curtis. “We have a responsibility to end homelessness by coming together as a community and providing a safe and healthy place to live for everyone.”

“It is time to stop managing homelessness, and to end it,” Chief Doris Bill said. “We understand that vulnerable people at risk need many supports, more than just a home. Their struggles are complex. I believe the community is prepared, and has much of the resources necessary, to provide that support. There are gaps and coordination issues that we will have to tackle together, but the first community priority is to end homelessness.”

Last year, the City and the First Nation hosted a Vulnerable People at Risk Forum and a Business Engagement Forum. The forums were inclusive, whole-of-community approaches to understand and support the needs of Whitehorse’s most vulnerable citizens. A What We Heard report being released today demonstrates overwhelmingly that Whitehorse is a caring community and that housing is the first priority.

“I commend the City and the Kwanlin Dün First Nation for their excellent work in engaging the Whitehorse community at a grassroots level,” Premier Darrell Pasloski said. “The Yukon government will provide funding for this important work to continue in support of vulnerable citizens. Working together, our governments can make Yukon a more inclusive, safe and supportive place to live.”

The Yukon government will support the coordination of a comprehensive action plan to end homelessness that can be adapted for other Northern communities. Funding will also go towards two additional forums and support for a contract position to coordinate, research and develop a proposal for federal support to end homelessness in Whitehorse, Yukon and the North.

-30-

Digital versions of the report and this news release are available at www.whitehorse.ca and www.kwanlindun.com

Contact:

ILR5