Federal government supports projects for Veterans experiencing or at risk of homelessness
Vancouver, British Columbia, November 6, 2024 – The federal government is partnering with two organizations to support Veterans experiencing or at risk of homelessness in British Columbia.
The Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Minister of Veterans Affairs Canada, and Oliver Thorne, Chief Executive Officer of the Veterans Transition Network, announced more than $5.1 million for the projects through the Veterans Homelessness Program.
With a federal investment of over $3.2 million in the Group Counselling project, the Veterans Transition Network will provide specialized early intervention group counselling for Veterans at risk of homelessness. This will include helping them overcome trauma, improving mental health and well-being, strengthening family relationships, and stabilizing employment through job training, skills development, and mentorship to help individuals secure stable, long-term employment. The project will also support their transition from service to civilian life. Additionally, it will also boost the capacity and skills of clinicians trained to support Veterans across Canada by delivering impactful specialized training to psychologists and counsellors.
The John Howard Society of Victoria runs a Veterans Housing Supports program that, with a federal investment of over $1.8 million, will further help Veterans and former RCMP members experiencing and at risk of homelessness in navigating the housing continuum and securing more suitable permanent housing options. The program provides comprehensive Veteran-led case management to help individuals overcome barriers and develop additional skills.
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.