This is a joint news release between the Government of Yukon and Safe at Home Society.
The Government of Yukon is pleased to announce an investment of up to $12.9 million to support the Safe at Home Society’s project to help end and prevent homelessness in downtown Whitehorse.
The Hearth is a 67-unit permanent supportive housing project that will transform the former Coast High Country Inn into safe and affordable housing for a mixed demographic of individuals experiencing or at risk of experiencing homelessness.
For the past year, Safe at Home Society has provided temporary housing for 28 residents within the facility as plans were finalized to undertake a major renovation and construction project to create 67 units by 2026.
As part of the Downtown Whitehorse Safety Response Action Plan, Health and Social Services is committed to working with partners to help ensure that our most vulnerable citizens have access to essential support and services.
Once The Hearth opens its doors in 2026, the housing units will be allocated to individuals on the By Name List, a real-time list of those currently experiencing homelessness in Whitehorse. The supportive housing model for the project is driven by a Housing First and harm reduction approach that promotes self-determination and dignity.
Our government continues to support the tireless work of the Safe at Home Society and its vision to develop the permanent supportive housing project, the Hearth. I extend my congratulations to all who worked so hard to bring this historic project forward. Supporting the Yukon’s most vulnerable residents requires collective action and long-term investments to address the many challenging factors that surround homelessness.
This achievement marks a monumental step forward in our commitment to ending homelessness by providing a safe, supportive environment for our community. As a long-time member of the Board of Directors at Safe at Home, I witness daily the critical need for supportive housing solutions. The Hearth is a testament to what we can achieve when we come together as a community, dedicated to the well-being and dignity of every individual. Our heartfelt thanks go to all our partners who have made this possible.
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The future Permanent Support Housing Project “The Hearth” will be located at 4051 4th Avenue, the location of the former Coast High Country Inn.
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Construction is planned to begin this month led by Wildstone Construction Group.
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The Hearth’s units will go to priority populations experiencing homelessness: 75 per cent of all units are for individuals who identify as Indigenous, 50 per cent overall units for women, and 16 units are reserved for youth between the ages of 18 and 24.
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The supportive housing model provides access to crisis intervention and counselling, among other services.
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The total cost for the two-year construction project is estimated to be $42.1 million.
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Yukon Housing Corporation will provide $12.9 million in funding, including $7.9 million for the construction and renovation.
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The By Name List is a shared list of individuals experiencing homelessness used to prioritize housing and support based on need.
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This past October the Government of Yukon provided Safe at Home Society $699,946 in funding for the winter housing initiative from October 1, 2023, to March 31, 2024.
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The Yukon Housing Corporation five-year strategic plan Creating Home includes commitments (2.3) to support actions that will achieve a significant reduction in the number of people experiencing homelessness.
Jordan Owens
Cabinet Communications
867-332-0615
jordan.owens@yukon.ca
Julie Ménard
Yukon Housing Corporation Communications
867-332-7302
Julie.menard@yukon.ca
Zachary Burke
Communications, Health and Social Services
867-334-7986
zachary.burke@yukon.ca
Kate Mechan
Executive Director, Safe at Home Society
867-334-9310
ed@safeathomeyukon.ca