News Release: The Federal Government supports Veterans experiencing or at-risk and homelessness in the nation’s Capital.
Ottawa, ON, November 5th, 2024 — In response to the increased need for Veteran support across the nation’s capital, two strategically placed organizations receive funding from the Federal Government under the Veteran Homelessness Program (VHP).
In support of key projects directly impacting veterans, Ottawa Innercity Ministries (OIM) and Veterans’ House Canada (VHC) receive funding under the VHP, announced Sean Fraser, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities.
The importance of a collaborative approach in addressing and supporting the different needs of Veterans at risk of and experiencing homelessness in Ottawa was echoed by both Colonel (Retired) Gerry Potter, Executive Director of OIM and Brigadier-General (Retired) Alan Mulawyshyn, Executive Director of VHC, during the announcement today.
The VHP provides funding to organizations to address the needs of Veterans experiencing or at risk of homelessness. The program supports a wide range of programs and services, including rent supplements, wrap-around supports and counselling.
The agreement with Veterans’ House Canada will provide more than $2.6 M over nearly four years, for the organization to deliver a homelessness program that offers rental assistance and access to life-changing support to eligible Veterans associated with the Andy Carswell Building (ACB). VHC will assist the Veteran residents in several ways, including by providing rental supplements and one-time rental arrears; by developing in-house community programming, new life skills programs, and new food, transportation and health resource programs; and by hiring a Veteran Program Facilitator and a Tenant Support Coordinator. VHC will also coordinate access to third-party resources such as those offered by Veterans Affairs Canada and Royal Canadian Legion branches.
“We have seen from our experience with the Andy Carswell Building that permanent housing with onsite support is key for the successful transition of Veterans who are homeless or living in precarious housing to healthier, safer and richer lives,” said Brigadier-General (Retired) Mulawyshyn. “We are excited to improve our services and supports thanks to this funding under the Veteran Homelessness Program.”
Similarly, OIM will engage in providing critical Veteran-centric programs and support through wrap-around services such as offering screening and referral services for counselling, substance use treatment, clinical health services to Veterans experiencing or at risk of homelessness. Through this funding, OIM has hired a Veterans Housing Coordinator who will help eligible Veterans find housing. OIM will also be providing homeless Veterans with the first and last month’s rent, as well as providing bedding, cooking supplies, furniture, and other essential items as needed. With more than $1.1 M of funding over four years, OIM will help identify critical needs and align services to create a safe and stable transition into housing for eligible Veterans. OIM will also coordinate with third-party resources to best serve Veterans in need, such as Veterans Affairs Canada, Royal Canadian Legion, and The Ottawa Mission.
Quotes
“Veterans have served Canada with courage, honour, and distinction. They deserve a safe and affordable place to live. With support from the Veteran Homelessness Program these projects in the Ottawa region will help end chronic homelessness and ensure that Veterans and their families have the support they need, where, and when they need it.”
The Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence
“Investing in organizations that support Veterans is essential for ensuring that those who have served our country receive the resources they need for safe and stable housing. This funding will enable critical support for Veterans at risk of homelessness and help them regain their footing.”
Mona Fortier, Member of Parliament for Ottawa—Vanier, Ontario on behalf of the Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities
“We have seen from our experience with the Andy Carswell Building that permanent housing with onsite support is key for the successful transition of Veterans who are homeless or living in precarious housing to healthier, safer and richer lives. We are excited to improve our services and supports thanks to this funding under the Veteran Homelessness Program.”
Yasir Naqvi, Member of Parliament for Ottawa Centre