Downtown Whitehorse To See New Centre of Hope

Tuesday March 31, 2015 was an important day for the people of Whitehorse. With many Salvation Army officials in attendance, Yukon Premier Darrell Pasloski announced the construction of a new homeless shelter in Downtown Whitehorse by the Yukon government. The Centre of Hope will be operated by The Salvation Army and is projected to open in late 2016.

“Poverty is a critical issue in the Yukon today and whether helping struggling families with food and other practical assistance or providing a warm meal and a bed for those with no home, the Salvation Army is committed to promoting the dignity of all people,” said Lieutenant Colonel Jim Champ of The Salvation Army.

Construction is slated to begin this spring and the new building will include emergency shelter space for 25, drop-in space, a large dining room, 22 transitional housing units, and programming that will include a wide range of social services. The current Salvation Army shelter runs at over 200% capacity, so with more beds and programs available to those in the community that need them, this new project will be a welcome relief.