Connective Support Services, the management company for Whitehorse Emergency Shelter, has welcomed the creation of a new advisory committee to help guide the shelter’s operations. The committee, formed by the Yukon Government and First Nation governments, includes six First Nation representatives and three from the Yukon Government, with two co-chairs: Michelle Telep (deputy chief of the Ta’an Kwäch’än Council) and Stephen Doyle (director of social supports with Yukon Health and Social Services). This committee aims to ensure that First Nations have a stronger voice in the shelter’s management, particularly since many of their citizens stay there.
Additionally, as of September 1, the shelter’s 20 units will no longer be rented through traditional tenancy agreements but instead through program-based agreements. This change means residents will participate in support programs, including outreach, goal-setting, and life skills training, to help them regain stability. While there’s no set time limit on stays, the goal is for individuals to eventually transition to more permanent housing options. The shelter’s three social workers will work with each resident to create personalized plans to support their housing journey. This shift aims to provide more comprehensive support to those in need, helping them work towards a more stable future.
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