Paige LeClairLast week, the Alberta government announced a $3 million investment for a new Veterans Service Centre and transitional housing project in north Edmonton.
VETS Canada, a national non-profit charity and service provider for Veterans Affairs Canada will be responsible for managing the operations and leading the intake process for veterans in need of housing.
“From our research with thousands of in-crisis veterans across the country, we have learned that those who are struggling are in desperate need of a ‘one-stop-shop’, a safe place where they can go and receive immediate support and services from qualified personnel and other veterans, without having to chase a referral to another location. That is what the project is all about,” says Debbie Lowther, chair and co-founder, VETS Canada.
The centre will be open throughout the week and veterans will be assisted by two full time, VETS Canada staff persons who are experienced social services workers. It will also have rotational staff from Veterans Affairs Canada, Royal Canadian Legion, Alberta-NWT Command and Forces at Work. It will also provide a number of services including transitional housing, employment and training services, and crisis support.
The new facility is expected to open December 17, 2018. It is close to transportation routes with access to downtown, the operational stress injury clinic, and the Edmonton Garrison. It just steps away from an apartment building, purchased by the Government of Alberta, to provide transitional housing for 15 homeless veterans.
For more information about VETS Canada and how you can get involved visit their website.
