Government of Yukon
Archives
FOR RELEASE #08-208
September 2, 2008
Yukon Government to Extend Youth Homelessness Initiative
WHITEHORSE - The Yukon government is extending its youth homelessness pilot project, which was set to expire at the end of August, Health and Social Services Minister Glenn Hart announced.
The Skookum Jim Friendship Centre's Youth Outreach Shelter and Support Program has been extended until March 2009.
"The government is extending this program to enable us to get a clear picture of what is happening in Yukon with regards to youth homelessness," Hart said. "This is an important program that will enable us to make sound decisions based on reliable data."
Between January 25 and July 17 this year 29 youth accessed the Skookum Jim outreach program which offers shelter as well as assessments of needs and referrals.
"The Skookum Jim Friendship Centre is happy to continue providing the youth emergency shelter service to address the needs of urban youth with housing situations. We are optimistic that by providing this service and following up with each youth through our Family Support Program, we can set those youth in need down the right path to finding safe and stable housing," Chris Nash, acting executive director for Skookum Jim, said.
Hart added that this project is in addition to the many initiatives the government has already undertaken to support youth and families at risk. These initiatives include:
• $9–$11 million for the lone-parent affordable family housing project
• $500,000 in combined funding with the Government of Canada to the Journey Far Carving Program
• $218,000 for the Salvation Army Emergency Shelter
• $161,000 for Many Rivers youth outreach workers
• $153,000 for the outreach van
• $110,000 for the Boys’ and Girls’ Club
• $110,000 for Bringing Youth Towards Equality
• $110,000 for the Youth of Today Society
-30-
| Contact: | |
| Matthew Grant Cabinet Communications 867-633-7961 matthew.grant@gov.yk.ca |
Pat Living Communications, Health and Social Services 867-667-3673 patricia.living@gov.yk.ca |