NEWS RELEASE: Connective partners with Council of Yukon First Nations to operate shelter at 405 Alexander Street

Connective, in partnership with the Council of Yukon First Nations, will assume operations of the shelter at 405 Alexander Street in Whitehorse on October 1, 2022.

This marks the final phase of the Government of Yukon’s plan to transfer operations and management of the Housing First residence on Wood Street and the shelter in Whitehorse to a non-governmental partner.

Connective, formerly known as the John Howard Society, has operated the Housing First residence alongside the Council of Yukon First Nations for more than a year and have demonstrated success in working together to meet the needs of vulnerable Yukoners. Expanding the partnership to the shelter at 405 Alexander Street will ensure that Yukoners continue to receive person-centred and culturally-appropriate enhanced care.

The transfer of operations at the shelter will not affect day-to-day operations and there will be no interruptions to services. The Government of Yukon will continue to provide its Emergency Medical Services On-Site Paramedic Program at the shelter to ensure people accessing the facility receive the timely medical care they may need.  Other on-site government services, such as Mental Wellness and Substance Use Services and Community Outreach Services will also continue.

Quotes

By completing the final phase of our government’s commitment to transfer operations of both the Housing First residence and the Whitehorse shelter to a non-governmental partner, we will better support vulnerable Yukoners who are facing homelessness. I look forward to seeing how Connective and the Council of Yukon First Nations improve this facility and the critical support services they offer.

  • Tracy-Anne McPhee Minister of Health and Social Services

CYFN is looking forward to continuing and developing our partnership with Connective to support vulnerable Yukon First Nations by partnering on the operation of the Whitehorse Emergency Shelter.

  • Peter Johnston Council of Yukon First Nations Grand Chief

We’ve learned through our experience in the community that the issues facing vulnerable Yukoners are multifaceted and complex. At Connective we are well versed in delivering diverse, person centric support to marginalized community members across BC and the Yukon. We are humbled and grateful to have the opportunity to continue this important work in partnership with CYFN, supporting those who need it most.

  • Chief Executive Officer at Connective Mark Miller

Quick facts

  • The shelter is located at 405 Alexander Street in Whitehorse.
  • The Government of Yukon has operated the shelter since January 31, 2019.
  • Connective, in partnership with the Council of Yukon First Nations, has operated the Housing First residence on Wood Street in Whitehorse since April 2021.