To our community,
I want to take an opportunity to acknowledge some of the recent changes to food services available to vulnerable Yukoners in downtown Whitehorse.
Connective has recently adjusted the number of meals served at the shelter at 405 Alexander St., following the conclusion of a pilot program that provided increased meal support. This change is part of a planned transition to align their services with regularly funded levels, which we support. We continue to work with Connective and other community partners to ensure meals are available for those in need. One recent initiative is the expansion of the Healthy Meals program at Blood Ties Four Directions Centre, which will provide lunch and dinner services seven days per week once a kitchen renovation is complete. They are currently supporting 25 lunches five days per week.
In addition to the services provided by Blood Ties, several other meal options are available throughout Whitehorse. These include breakfast, lunch, dinner and late snack services, as well as dedicated meal services for women, children and youth at various community locations. We are committed to ensuring that everyone in the community has access to nutritious meals through a variety of programs and partnerships. Information on these programs is published by the Yukon Anti-Poverty Coalition and can be found at www.yapc.ca.
This collaborative effort is part of our broader strategy to diversify and decentralize services in downtown Whitehorse from 405 Alexander St., improving access and support for our most vulnerable populations. We believe this approach will help support the health and well-being of the community.
I extend our heartfelt thanks and gratitude to every non-governmental organization, business and community member who is working tirelessly to support our downtown community, be it through food security, support services, shelters or any other means.
We look forward to continuing to update you on efforts to make downtown Whitehorse a more safe, vibrant and inclusive space for all Yukoners.
Yours truly,
Stephen Doyle
Director, Social Supports
Yukon Health and Social Services
