FOR RELEASE
October 27, 2022
This is a joint news release between the Council of Yukon First Nations and the Government of Yukon.
The Council of Yukon First Nations and Government of Yukon and are announcing plans to launch a mobile downtown outreach initiative as part of an approach to enhance safety in downtown Whitehorse.
The new outreach service will be operated by the Council of Yukon First Nations and staffed by Yukon First Nations outreach workers. The new mobile service is intended to remove barriers for street-involved persons in accessing various support services by meeting individuals where and when they need support.
The service will operate after hours and on weekends addressing a gap in service availability. A mobile outreach vehicle will make stops at various sites in downtown Whitehorse to serve the public and will be accessible through a phone number. Outreach workers will provide those they serve with referrals to a range of other support services, including shelter services, meal services, RCMP or medical services. The Yukon government is committed to collaborating with partner organizations that provide these services to explore ways to support and strengthen their efforts.
This is a pilot project funded by the Government of Yukon through March 31, 2024. It forms part of a multipronged approach being led by the Yukon government to address downtown Whitehorse safety concerns. The Government of Yukon contributed approximately $300,000, to fund the pilot project.
In the coming weeks, the Council of Yukon First Nations will be staffing outreach worker positions for the mobile service to make the service available to those in need as soon as possible.
Quotes
The mobile downtown outreach initiative, launched in partnership with CYFN, illustrates the power of working together to provide solutions that reach people where they are, with the services and support they need. This initiative aligns with our approach to improving the safety of downtown Whitehorse while removing barriers for Yukoners to access vital services and we thank CYFN for their continued partnership.
– Premier Ranj Pillai
This initiative, through our partnership with the Council of Yukon First Nations, is designed to eliminate barriers for individuals seeking support. This partnership initiative is a significant milestone in our joint efforts to improve access to services and safety for vulnerable Yukoners in downtown Whitehorse. It will help ensure support is available where and when it is needed.
– Minister of Health and Social Services Tracy-Anne McPhee
With the launch of our mobile downtown outreach service, formed in partnership with Yukon government, CYFN aims to address a critical gap in services by providing a barrier-free downtown outreach support service for street-involved people. This initiative stands as a crucial element within the overall strategy to enhance downtown Whitehorse community safety.
– Council of Yukon First Nations Grand Chief Peter Johnston
Contact
Renée Francoeur
Cabinet Communications
867-334-9194
renee.francoeur@nullyukon.ca
Zachary Burke
Communications, Health and Social Services
867-334-7986
zachary.burke@nullyukon.ca
Lael Lund
Communications, Council of Yukon First Nations
867.335.3227
cyfn.ca | lael.lund@nullcyfn.net