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Yukoners fleeing gender-based violence can get housing help — if they can prove they need it

New program aims to provide up to $2,000 per month for 55 households of survivors

A new program will offer money intended to help survivors of gender-based violence get and keep safe housing — if they can prove they need it. 

Premier Ranj Pillai, who is in charge of the Yukon Housing Corporation, told attendees at a press conference on June 26 outside 401 Jeckell St. in downtown Whitehorse that the program will provide up to $2,000 per month for the first 12 months, along with a reduced benefit for another six months, for the next four years. 

“Stable affordable housing is foundational to the health and well-being of all Yukoners,” he said.

“This is (an) absolutely meaningful opportunity to provide additional support to Yukoners seeking to leave violent living situations.” 

The program’s goal is to allow recipients time to get stable before taking on rental costs on their own, so they don’t have to go back to unsafe situations due to housing costs. 

“This program will save lives,” said deputy minister Jeanie McLean, who is responsible for the Yukon Women and Gender Equity Directorate, at the press conference. 

“It's three to four times higher than the national average to be exposed to gender-based violence here in the Yukon. We know all too well how closely housing is linked to gender-based violence. If there are no other safe, affordable options for someone to live, they may choose to stay in a household where they experience violence.” 

The program will be open all year until funding is spent. 

Yukoners who have lived through physical, emotional, economic and sexual violence inflicted on them due to their gender identity, gender expression or perceived gender can apply by filling out a form that’s currently available on the Yukon government website or through the Yukon Housing Corporation offices. 

According to the seven-page application form, eligibility criteria indicate applicants “must have qualified third-party verification that, in the third party’s belief, the applicant is a survivor of gender-based violence.” An applicant must be a Canadian resident, permanent resident or refugee who lives in the Yukon. Their income must be below a certain threshold, and they must file their taxes each year. 

Third-party verifiers include police officers, doctors, nurses, psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers, case managers, outreach workers, counsellors, Yukon government victim services employees, transition home and gender-based emergency shelter employees and other social service providers.  

The form contains an asterisk: 

“In disputes between parties where gender-based violence is alleged, third-party verifiers may be required, in some cases, to testify in civil or criminal court. Third-party verifiers should factor this into their record keeping practices and seek legal advice as necessary.” 

The $2 million in annual funding is anticipated to assist about 55 households, per officials. 

Just over $1 million is coming from the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation under the federal government, and it’s being cost-matched by the Yukon government, as noted in the press release. 

A non-government organization will be selected through an expression of interest to "administer up-front benefits that include supports for moving fees, security deposits and up to two months of rent,” per the release.

Contact Dana Hatherly at dana.hatherly@yukon-news.com



Dana Hatherly

About the Author: Dana Hatherly

I’m the legislative reporter for the Yukon News.
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