Three levels of government will partner on an action plan to address homelessness and help the city’s most vulnerable people.

Premier Darrell Pasloski, Mayor Dan Curtis and Kwanlin Dün First Nation Chief Doris Bill made the announcement Thursday morning.

Work on the action plan, including two forums to look at various issues, will happen over a one-year period beginning in April and concluding in March 2017.

The joint press conference also saw the release of a 10-page summary on what came out of two forums hosted by the city and First Nation last year on how to help vulnerable people in the city.

The action plan is a next step in the process. It would be funded by the territorial government.

As the three government leaders pointed out, it was clear from attendance (including more than 300 at the September 2015 event and 50 at the session specifically for businesses) at the two forums last year that the community is committed to working on the issue.

“We don’t want to lose this great momentum,” Curtis said, noting his hope “that we can build on what has been done.”

Pasloski reflected on his years in the pharmacy business before entering politics.

He noted he dealt with many of the city’s homeless people on a daily basis.

It was clear the issues were complicated and will take the commitment of the entire community to move forward toward the ultimate goal of ending homelessness.

“They need more than just a home,” Bill said, pointing to the numerous complex issues facing the most vulnerable people in the community.

She argued there’s a need to “work smarter” on the issue.

While there are a number of services out there, she said, a more comprehensive approach is needed so those facing a crisis aren’t forced to go from one office to another to deal with the variety of services they need. A more streamlined approach would address the unique needs of each individual.

As Bill pointed out, homelessness strikes at the core of any community.

In Whitehorse, the community showed its heart last year when a standing-room only crowd turned up at the Kwanlin Dün Cultural Centre for the first forum with the business community showing its support at the second forum.

“We must do what is morally right,” Bill said.

“We need to move from crisis responses like shelters, and soup kitchens, which are at best temporary solutions, towards meaningful goals and measurable strategies to end homelessness.”

Political leaders don’t have all the answers, Bill said.

What she and other government leaders understand though, she said, is that vulnerable people need many supports. Working on the issue is complex, multi-faceted and “by no means straightforward.”

It’s important for leaders to work with community partners to improve access to services for those in need.

“Together we must all make a difference,” she said.

The full summary report on the two forums held last year is available on the city’s website at www.whitehorse.ca