Next Steps From The Vulnerable People at Risk Forum

WHITEHORSE – The City of Whitehorse and the Kwanlin Dün First Nation are taking action in response to the Vulnerable People at Risk Forum held on April 24.

Mayor Dan Curtis and Chief Doris Bill attended today’s Yukon Anti-Poverty Coalition Whitehorse Connects event to support the work of engaging with the community and Whitehorse’s at risk populations.

“The community’s response to the Vulnerable People at Risk Forum has been overwhelmingly positive. We don’t want to lose this great momentum where there is such willingness throughout our community to keep going,” said Mayor Dan Curtis. “This remains a top priority for the City and Kwanlin Dün. We’ve had an initial meeting to discuss the next steps and we will be talking to our partners about actions and solutions.”

“Whitehorse Connects, an initiative of the Yukon Anti-Poverty Coalition, is a regular, positive opportunity for the community to help one another. For six years, this grassroots event has been a concrete example of the spirit of support we talked about at the recent Vulnerable People at Risk forum,” said Chief Doris Bill. “We all share vulnerability; understanding and acceptance will lead us toward more solutions that reduce risk for those most vulnerable in our city.”

Participants at the April forum said they want changes made that support Whitehorse’s most vulnerable people; changes that will reduce the risks vulnerable people live with daily. A summary report on the forum is being prepared and it will be shared with participants and the public as soon as it is available.

Next, Kwanlin Dün and City officials will talk to downtown businesses and service organizations about the issues and impacts of vulnerability, homelessness and poverty. The information gathered will help shape roundtable discussions planned for the fall.

Plans are also in place to give individuals with lived-experiences an opportunity to share their knowledge on making Whitehorse a more inclusive, safe and supportive place to live.

Contact:

Contact:
Jacqueline Hynes
Communications, City of Whitehorse
jacqueline.hynes@whitehorse.ca
867-335-1186

Marie-Louise Boylan
Communications, Kwanlin Dün First Nation
marie-louise.boylan@kdfn.net
867-633-7835

NT5