The near-completion of 20 new affordable homes in Whitehorse and more units in Dawson City were celebrated Monday in the capital in the presence of a federal cabinet minister.

Ahmed Hussen, the minister of Housing and Diversity and Inclusion; John Streicker, the territorial minister of Energy, Mines and Resources and of the Public Service Commission; Chief Roberta Joseph of the Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in; and Chief Steve Smith of the Champagne and Aishihik First Nations (CAFN) held a media event in downtown Whitehorse.

They discussed the creation of 10 new shelter and transitional units in Dawson that can accommodate 14 beds.

The first project, “Jëjë Zho”, which means “Men’s Shelter” in Hän, will welcome adult male residents of Dawson and Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in citizens. They will include those experiencing or at-risk of homelessness and Indigenous peoples who will have 10 new shelter and first stage transitional units available.

Ottawa is contributing $4.9 million through the National Housing Co-Investment Fund (NHCF) and $326,204 in annual operating costs.

The Yukon government is providing $900,000 through the Yukon Housing Corp. for the construction and $125,000 in annual operating costs through the Department of Health and Social Services.

The Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in government is contributing $685,246 in equity, $56,000 in annual operating costs and land for the project.

The Yukon Anti-Poverty Coalition is also providing $90,000 in annual operating costs.

The two-storey building is located at 1217 Second Ave. in Dawson, and will be operated by the Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in government.

The building consists of 10 residential units with up to 11 beds.

It includes supported living and outreach office on the second floor, and three emergency shelter beds and support offices on the first floor.

The shelter will provide on-site care for addictions, detox preparation or after-care, harm reduction and mental health supports.

The site is close to supermarkets and community amenities. The building will also be fully accessible on both floors.

Hussen also highlighted a second project located at 195 Olive May Way in Whitehorse.

Through the Projects Stream of the Rapid Housing Initiative, the Government of Canada contributed nearly $6.1 million to create 20 new homes for CAFN families and individuals in need of housing. This project is near completion.

“Every Canadian deserves a safe and affordable place to call home,” said Hussen.

“Our government is investing in housing across the North to support those who need it most.

“These projects will add much-needed housing and services to the community, for men who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness and Indigenous Peoples,” Hussen added.

“This is the National Housing Strategy at work.”

Yukon MP Brendan Hanley said the federal investment “is improving the economic and social well-being of the men experiencing or at risk of homelessness and Indigenous Peoples who will soon call Jëjë Zho their home and is making Dawson City a better place to live.

“When people have a secure and stable home, they gain the confidence they need to succeed and fulfill their potential,” Hanley said.

Ranj Pillai, the minister responsible for YHC, said it’s important that Yukoners “have access to the support services they need, no matter where they live in the territory.

“The new shelter in Dawson will provide a home for men who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness and access to on-site care, addictions and mental health support.

“The Champagne and Aishihik First Nations’ Rapid Housing Initiative project will provide new housing options for their citizens living in Whitehorse,” Pillai added.

“Thank you to the Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in First Nation, Champagne and Aishihik First Nations and the Government of Canada for coming together with the Government of Yukon to support these two new housing projects and contributing to our vision of building healthier, more inclusive communities.”

While housing is a key social determinant of health, said Joseph, “homeless men often fall through the cracks and become vulnerable members of our society.

“As a result, our elders advised the council that we needed a home for our men, with their vision, we began planning for the Jëjë Zho (Men’s House) a project that is meaningful, impactful, and more than a shelter to us.

“It is a lifeline for some, represents hope for others and provides a positive space for the wider Dawson community,” the chief said.

The First Nation, she added, “took great care in designing this building to include aspects significant to our living culture and the natural physical beauty surrounding us in our traditional territory.

“When we support our vulnerable people – our whole community is strengthened.”

Smith said the CAFN “are happy to soon offer affordable rental homes for CAFN dän (people) in Kwanlin (Whitehorse) for the first time.

“The CAFN council believes that providing an opportunity to citizens to have a place to call home is a foundation for a good life.

“It is dän k’e – our way, to help those who need it most, so helping our people who need homes is important to us as dän shawthän (good Southern Tutchone people).”

The NHCF is a program under the National Housing Strategy (NHS) that gives priority to projects that help people who need it most, including women and children fleeing family violence, seniors, Indigenous peoples, people with disabilities, those with mental health or addiction issues, veterans, and young adults.

With a budget of $13.2 billion, the NHCF plans to:

• create up to 60,000 new homes;

• repair up to 240,000 homes;

• create or repair at least 4,000 shelter spaces for victims of family violence;

• create at least 7,000 new homes for seniors;

• create at least 2,400 new homes for people with developmental disabilities; and

This year’s federal budget proposes to advance $2.9 billion in funding under the NHCF to accelerate the creation of up to 4,300 new units and the repair of up to 17,800 units.