CMFMAG TeamTwo projects selected under the new Veteran Homelessness Program (VHP) will receive $6.7 million to support Veterans at risk or experiencing homelessness.
In making the announcement in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, on August 12, 2024, Housing Minister Sean Fraser and Veteran Affairs Canada Minister Ginette Petitpas Taylor said that VHP is an essential part of Canada’s housing plan and was created to help veterans who have served our country courageously and selflessly.
Homeless Veterans Accessing Services
Through the Ground Support for Veterans project, Veterans Emergency Transition Services Canada (VETS Canada) will work with Veterans experiencing or at risk of homelessness. This includes providing rental supplements, as well as working with them to ensure they can access any services they need.
“VETS Canada is thrilled to receive this funding from Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada,” said Debbie Lowther, co-founder/CEO of VETS Canada. “It allows us to continue our work of supporting Canadian Armed Forces and RCMP Veterans who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. Those who have served our country are important members of our communities and they have sacrificed so much. We believe that we, as do all Canadians who are in a position to help, have an obligation to support the men and women who wore the uniform when they are in need. This funding allows us to do just that.”
The VETS Canada project will also help connect Veterans to medical assistance and provide moving costs and temporary accommodations.
Transition into Stable Homes
The goal of Ground Support for Veterans is to help transition them into stable homes and care for their mental and physical health while helping them strengthen skills such as financial management.
Additionally, it focuses on developing a network of relationships with landlords and communities that can help facilitate permanent homes.
VETS Canada will deliver these services across Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland and Labrador, and Nova Scotia, complementing services provided by other partners.
A second project, the Landing Strong Cooperative Ltd., will receive funds to help Veterans in Nova Scotia with wrap-around services such as financial assistance, work with them to identify their needs, and ensure they can access the appropriate services. The aim is to help meet their needs now while ultimately ensuring that they can find safe and stable homes.
Providing a Safe Place and Community
“Landing Strong provides a safe place and community for those on the journey of recovery,” said Dr. Belinda Seagram, founder and executive director, Landing Strong Cooperative Ltd. “With this safety net in place allowing stability in terms of basic needs, injured Veterans will be able to access our intensive day treatment programs at a pace and level that is comfortable for them. It’s hard to talk about one’s injuries and process past trauma if there is uncertainty about where to sleep, and how to feed the family. With these funds, we can remove that level of concern, allowing people to immerse themselves in an unimpeded journey of recovery and self-care.”
The Veteran Homelessness Program provides funding to projects under two streams.
- The Services and Supports Stream – $72.9 million for rent supplements and wrap-around services, such as counselling and treatment for substance use.
- The Capacity Building Stream – $6.2 million for research and improved data collection. This stream also helps organizations increase their capacity so that they can deliver tailored programs.
$79.1 million Veteran Homeless Program
Through the $79.1 million VHP, the federal government will partner with organizations across the country to provide rent supplements and mental health support to Veterans. Additionally, it will support research on Veterans’ homelessness and help organizations increase their capacity to serve those in need.
“Veterans have served and sacrificed for our nation, and we owe it to them to ensure that they have a safe and affordable place to call home,” said Min. Fraser. “The Veterans Homelessness Program, and the two projects announced today, help them receive the stability and support they deserve.
Veteran Affairs Minister Petipas Taylor said Canada’s veterans have bravely served our country, both at home and abroad, and they deserve a safe, affordable place to live. “The Veteran Homelessness Program is the latest milestone in our ongoing efforts to end chronic homelessness and ensure Veterans and their families have the support they need, where and when they need it.”
Helping Homeless Veterans
Through the Veteran Homelessness Program, VETS Canada is receiving $5,199,168, and Landing Strong Cooperative Ltd. is receiving $1,511,200 through the Services and Supports stream.
According to Census 2021, there were an estimated 461,240 Canadian Veterans. It is estimated there are approximately 2,600 Veterans experiencing homelessness.
Additionally, Min. Petipas Taylor said Budget 2024 has invested an additional $6 million over three years, starting in 2024-25, to VAC for the Veteran and Family Well-Being Fund (VFWF).
A portion of this funding will be allocated to organizations and initiatives that support Veterans’ health and employment, as well as women, Indigenous, and 2SLGBTQI+ Veterans. To date, the VFWF program has supported 28 projects to address Veteran homelessness, representing an investment of $9.8 million.
For additional information about Veteran Homelessness Program visit here. And for more information about Housing and Home Life visit here.
