Today, Minister Sean Fraser and Minister Ginette Petitpas Taylor announced a federal investment of more than $6.7 million to support two projects as part of the new Veteran Homelessness Program (VHP).
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. The project will also help connect Veterans to medical assistance and provide moving costs and temporary accommodations. 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.
For the second project, the Landing Strong Cooperative Ltd. will provide Veterans in Nova Scotia with wrap-around services such as financial assistance, working with them to identify their needs, and ensuring they can access the appropriate services. This will help meet their needs today, while ultimately ensuring that they can find safe and stable homes.
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.
Addressing homelessness is an essential part of Canada's Housing Plan and this program will help do that for Veterans who have served our country courageously and selflessly.
