The Angel’s Nest youth shelter still hinges upon a crucial decision by the territorial government on whether it will cover the operating expenses of the project.
The Angel’s Nest coalition has already received a “forgivable loan” from the Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation to purchase the Hide on Jeckell hostel for conversion into the shelter.
However, that loan is dependent upon a financial commitment from the government to cover operating expenses for the first three years of the shelter — a total cost of $1.2 million.
Youth poverty workers and First Nation representatives met on Friday, August 8th with Minister of Health and Social Services Glenn Hart to present the need for a shelter in Whitehorse — one of Canada’s only urban centres without a comprehensive youth shelter.
The group presented Hart with a 1,009-signature petition as well as 18 letters of official support.
After the meeting, Hart informed he group that the decision would have to be discussed with the rest of his cabinet.
“I’m hoping it’s a good sign,” said Vicki Durrant, executive director of the Youth of Today Society.
September 2nd is the final deadline to secure purchase of the Hide on Jeckell hostel — otherwise the Angel’s Nest coalition will lose its $50,000 deposit on the property.
Durrant said that the interim is “stressful,” but that she hopes to hear from the government within the next couple of days.