The Challenge Disability Resource Group is continuing to work on its plans for a supportive housing project on Main Street.

The venture would also provide affordable and market housing units to renters and space for community organizations and the like.

Architectural sketches were recently released via the group’s Facebook page. They showcase the proposal the group has for its Cornerstone project at 704 Main St.

Challenge’s executive director Jillian Hardie said in an interview Wedesday the group has put a deposit on the site.

It has also made funding submissions to the Yukon government and Canada Mortgage and Housing Corp., along with meeting city officials to discuss the plans.

The group also plans to sell its property on Front Street to help fund the project. It has outgrown the space, which was originally a mechanics’ garage.

As Hardie explained, the project will include 46 one-bedroom units, with 23 set aside as supportive units for Challenge clients and 23 for affordable housing.

Small decks – just large enough for one person to get some fresh air – will be available on each unit.

The space will also provide office space for Challenge and another NGO, boardrooms, and a drop-in centre with space for community groups to offer evening programming.

There will also be new space for the Bridges Café, supports for residents, potential in-house working opportunities and more.

The roof top will feature a greenhouse and garden space for fresh produce to be grown.

Some residential units will be offered for sale, and the revenue will be used to cover the estimated $17-million cost of the project.

Hardie said the mix of supportive and affordable units along with space for community groups will be unique to Whitehorse.

“It’s about inclusivity,” she said.

As it’s highlighted on the Facebook page detailing the plans:

“Whitehorse is in need of affordable one-bedroom suites for low-income earners and individuals in need of support to live independently.

“Many clients of Challenge are housed in sub-standard living conditions, live in a shelter or tents, couch surf or end up in dangerous/risky situations to secure a place to sleep.

“This in turn affects their ability to work and produce a living income, puts a strain on the medical and justice systems and fosters social isolation.”

The need for one-bedroom units has also been highlighted for her in the number of clients who are sharing larger units with a group of roommates.

She spoke with one such client recently who is struggling to maintain sobriety, an issue that becomes that much harder for him living with roommates who aren’t sober.

A one-bedroom apartment, she said, would allow him to have his own space where he doesn’t have alcohol in the home and allow him to take better care of himself, ensuring he gets a good night’s sleep and the like.

Hardie pointed out that while work is underway to provide more stage 1 housing for those needing emergency shelter, there is little in the way of long-term supportive or affordable housing.

“This is a home,” she said.

She pointed out that by making more one-bedroom units available in the city for those in need of supportive and affordable housing, those larger units currently housing groups of roommates will open up for families that need them.

Hardie acknowledged, however, that the units will not meet the entire need there is for such units.

“This is one piece to add,” she said, adding that Challenge is aiming to set aside some revenue it collects from the $1,000 per month rent it will charge.

The money set aside will then go towards future housing projects in Whitehorse and the communities down the road.