This is a joint news release between the Government of Yukon and Safe at Home Society.
The Government of Yukon is committed to improving the wellbeing, health and safety of downtown Whitehorse through housing solutions that provide stability and support. In partnership with Safe at Home Society, the new model of supportive housing at 5131 5th Avenue in Whitehorse officially began operations on July 1. This program offers residents stable housing and access to a variety of social services.
Staff are present in the building 24 hours a day, seven days a week for guest management and to help residents access a wide range of support services. These services include intensive life skills development, crisis intervention, cultural activities, employment readiness, eviction prevention, food security and substance use harm reduction.
The 16-unit building was previously operated by Connective, a valued partner who have played a key role in ensuring a safe and respectful transition from the Housing First model to the current supportive housing approach. Connective continues to provide important services in the community, including at SHARP, 405 Alexander and Whitehorse Residential Support.
Safe at Home Society is already operating a 17-unit supportive housing program at 408 Alexander Street, which started on December 1, 2024. Both programs contribute to community safety by helping vulnerable Yukoners have access to essential supports and services.
This initiative reflects the Government of Yukon’s ongoing commitment to strengthening the housing continuum and enhancing safety and wellness in downtown Whitehorse by increasing supportive, wraparound services for residents.
This supportive housing program builds on the strong foundation Safe at Home Society has established at 408 Alexander Street, which focuses on providing safe, stable housing with supports to promote positive outcomes for individuals and the community. This initiative aligns with our broader efforts to foster a more inclusive and vibrant downtown core.
Everyone deserves safe housing and access to the supports they need to improve their health and wellbeing. This program at 5131 5th Avenue strengthens our continuum of care by providing on-site services that help residents take meaningful steps forward. I want to thank Safe at Home Society for their leadership in this next phase and acknowledge Connective for their dedication in supporting residents and helping ensure a smooth transition.
Safe at Home’s team is pleased to expand our programs to include 5131 5th Avenue. We are committed to supporting residents from a trauma-informed lens, using housing first principles to ensure resident voice is a critical component of program implementation. Building a continuum of supportive housing is critical to alleviating pressure on our emergency services, including shelters, and facilitates our aim to end and prevent homelessness.
We’re grateful to Safe at Home Society and the Government of Yukon for their collaboration in ensuring a smooth transition for residents of 5131 5th Avenue. Our focus there has always been on creating safe, stable, inclusive housing and we’re confident that this new model will continue to build on that foundation. With the transition now complete, we’ve turned our full attention to essential service delivery at our other Yukon programs and remain committed to supporting community wellbeing across the territory.
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This supportive housing model was introduced to provide residents with stable housing and on-site social supports.
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All residents were given the opportunity to participate in this program and remain in the building. Residents continue to be supported through this transition.
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Safe at Home Society provided program information to nearby residents, businesses and Wood Street School on July 16.
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Connective, the previous operator of a Housing First model at the building, has been instrumental in a safe transition to the new model of supportive housing run by Safe at Home Society.
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5131 5th Avenue 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
[email protected]
Thibaut Rondel
Communications, Health and Social Services
867-332-7058
[email protected]
Kim Sheridan
Communications, Yukon Housing Corporation
867-667-8818
[email protected]
Kate Mechan
Safe at Home Society
867-334-9310
[email protected]