The Yukon Anti-Poverty Coalition has added a part-time staff member to the network of support workers assisting people who are homeless or are facing challenges in finding or keeping housing.

The position will also ensure that people who want to be added to the By-Name List will have an easy access point to do so.

“We are excited that Kathryn Watson has joined our team,” Kristina Craig, the coalition’s executive director, said Monday.

“Her work will not only support people who need housing, it will ensure a common entry point for those who want to be part of the co-ordinated access system currently under development in Whitehorse.”

That system is an essential element of any effort to prevent and end homelessness, Craig added.

It’s designed to streamline the process for people to access the housing and support services needed to permanently end their homelessness.

A By-Name List is one tool used to ensure that when people consent to services, this includes co-ordination amongst a variety of agencies to provide housing, income and program support.

That list also informs data and assists the community to assess gaps in available housing and programs.

The Safe at Home Plan to End and Prevent Homelessness identifies the need for a more co-ordinated system of care, and a team of Yukoners has been learning and working on this approach through Built for Zero Canada.

The intake and casework position will focus on continuing to offer the existing client-centred housing navigation services to assist low- to moderate-income Yukon citizens and increasing collaboration among housing navigators and support “housing first” awareness, advocacy and action. Watson is also available to provide tenant wisdom workshops as well.

“I’m excited to be working with the coalition and with the existing network of housing support people,” Watson said.

“My hope is that we can create a housing access process that is streamlined and humane for people who are struggling to find appropriate housing and supports in Whitehorse.”

Client services are available during drop-in hours Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., and by appointment.