This is a joint news release between the Government of Yukon and Safe at Home Society.
Starting December 1, 2024, Safe at Home Society will operate a new 17-unit supportive housing program at 408 Alexander Street. This partnership between the Government of Yukon and Safe at Home Society will offer tenants safe, stable housing and access to a variety of social services.
This program is a key component of the Downtown Whitehorse Safety Response Action Plan that will contribute to community safety by helping ensure vulnerable Yukoners have access to essential supports and services. Tenants will be selected from Whitehorse’s By-Name List, which is a real-time list of those currently experiencing homelessness in Whitehorse.
Staff will be present in the building’s foyer 24/7 for guest management and to help tenants access a wide range of support services. These services include intensive life skills development, crisis intervention, cultural pursuits, employment readiness, eviction prevention, food security, health care and substance use harm reduction.
To introduce the program to the community, staff from the Safe at Home Society are facilitating an open house at 408 Alexander Street on Thursday, November 14, from 4:30 to 7 pm. This is an opportunity for neighbouring businesses, downtown residents and other interested parties to learn about the program and see the space. All are welcome to attend.
Our government is proud to support the impactful work of Safe at Home Society and help open this new supportive housing project to improve the wellbeing, health and safety of downtown Whitehorse. Safe, stable housing is critical to building strong communities and supporting our most vulnerable Yukoners. This new initiative will contribute to a more supportive and inclusive community, and is an important step to building a vibrant, safe downtown.
This new housing unit marks a significant step towards helping our most vulnerable Yukoners access stable, safe housing with dignity and care. We are proud to work with Safe at Home to provide tenants with crucial resources, enhancing both their wellbeing and community safety as envisioned in the Downtown Whitehorse Safety Response Action Plan. This supportive housing at 408 Alexander Street is a testament to what we can achieve when we invest in our communities and collaborate with local partners.
Safe at Home Society is grateful for the opportunity to partner with the Government of Yukon, increasing supportive housing options for individuals exiting homelessness. Our team is eager to build community at 408 Alexander Street, get to know our new neighbours and create a tenant-driven program reflective of the unique needs of individuals who have a history of homelessness.
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This housing initiative will improve safety and wellbeing in downtown Whitehorse by offering housing to those who need it most with support services. This will help create a safer and more inclusive downtown and is a key part of our Downtown Whitehorse Safety Response Action Plan.
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408 Alexander Street is owned by Yukon Housing Corporation and is being leased to Safe at Home Society. The Department of Health and Social Services is providing the operations and maintenance funding. This partnership addresses concerns on interdepartmental collaboration as noted in the 2022 Office of the Auditor General’s housing report.
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Yukon Housing Corporation’s five-year strategic plan, Creating Home, includes commitments to support actions that will see a reduction in the number of people experiencing homelessness.
Laura Seeley
Cabinet Communications
867-332-7627
laura.seeley@yukon.ca
Jason Seaton
Communications, Yukon Housing Corporation
867-333-9571
jason.seaton@yukon.ca
Kate Mechan
Safe at Home Society
867-334-9310
ed@safeathomeyukon.ca