A new street ministry is set to launch in Whitehorse on Jan. 13 under the leadership of Terry Buckle, the former Anglican archbishop for Yukon.

Buckle said Wednesday he saw a need for a street ministry in downtown Whitehorse while serving as the archbishop.

"Since I've retired, I've given more thought and prayer to it and I really see a need of just going out and befriending people with acts of kindness and compassion,” he said in an interview.

"Reaching out to people on the streets, not just the down and out, but people, generally speaking, and merchants, just being a presence on the streets.”

Buckle said the aim of the ministry isn't to duplicate services that are already being provided in the city.

"We're simply being there, and we can point people in right directions and help them where we can,” he said.

"I just hope that in this whole approach to this kind of outreach ministry that people will sense the presence of God in their life and know the hope that our Lord gives and find the strength and help that they need to live out their lives.”

Starting Jan. 13, Street Hope Whitehorse will hold meetings every Tuesday and Thursday in the Old Log Rectory open to anyone interested in attending.

The launch day will include worship and refreshments.

Street Hope Whitehorse is affiliated with Threshold Ministries, which runs street ministry programs in other Canadian cities.

Shawn Branch, the national director of Threshold, will be speaking along with Buckle at the Whitehorse launch.

While the program is associated with the Anglican Church, Buckle said they don't have any goals to convert people.

"We're just out to love people whoever they are,” he said.