The No fixed Address Outreach Van is a collaborative program that reaches out to the most marginalized individuals in the city of Whitehorse. Since April 2002, the NFA Outreach Van has provided food, clothing, nursing, harm reduction material and counselling to street-involved people who are at risk. The van currently travels the streets of Whitehorse six nights a week with the aim of reducing the harmful effects of poverty, drug and alcohol use, and homelessness. The van service is coordinated by Many Rivers in partnership with Blood Ties four Directions Centre, Kwanlin Dun First Nations and Kaushee’s Place Transition Home.
The mandate of the NFA Outreach Van is to provide a mobile community outreach program meeting a variety of health, safety and social needs. The van “goes to” where the target population gathers. Staff use a harm reduction approach in providing a variety of services to people living on the margins of our community who do not access existing programs and services for a variety of reasons. The purpose of the van initiative is to improve the quality of life in the immediate present and to provide the person with timely opportunities should they choose to make changes in their lifestyle. The “No Fixed Address” Outreach Van program complements existing services.
Services we provide
Safety and Support Services
- Nutrition
- Water
- Personal Care items
- Clothing
- Blankets
Counselling, Education, and Referral Services
- Outreach counselling related to issues of substance abuse, employment, housing, family, violence
- Youth Outreach Counselling and follow up
- Advocacy
- Referral
Health Services
- Harm Reduction supplies and exchange
- Condoms
- Outreach nursing
- Nursing assessment and wound management
- Public Health information and education
- Referral to other agencies
- Public health procedures
Volunteer Opportunities, Donations and Presentations:
To meet the ever-growing demand for this service, we are looking for more volunteers. Volunteers assist with food preparation to make a difference in the lives of people living in poverty and isolation. Donations are also gratefully accepted to help support the van service. Charitable tax receipts are available. If you would like to learn more about the Van service and how you might be able to help with outreach to people needing our assistance, please contact Beckie at 334-1650. We would be pleased to provide a presentation about our services to your group or class. Thank you!
Looking for Service:
Monday- Saturday from 4-9pm.- Except Statuary Holidays.
Please contact 334-1647 |
Beckie Huston is the Coordinator for the No Fixed Address Outreach Van. She brings with
her a background in Mental Health & Addictions training. She worked as a Residential Treatment worker
for Alcohol and Drug Services before starting a career in Health Promotion. Working as the Health
Promotion Worker for two years at Blood Ties Four Directions Centre, Beckie spent considerable time
with vulnerable street-involved populations including injection and inhalation drug users, and HIV and
Hepatitis C positive persons. She also did extensive rural Yukon community education and outreach. She
then moved over to full-time coordinating activities for the Outreach Van in the spring of 2007. Beckie is a
passionate advocate for the marginalized members of our community, many of them drug users, and she continuously strives to educate the general population
about the importance of harm reduction and the role it plays in keeping people safe on our streets.
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