The federal government plans to spend $79.1 million on a new program to help homeless veterans.
The 2021 Census estimates there are 461,240 veterans in Canada, of which more than 2,600 are believed to be homeless.
The program is part of the National Housing Strategy, a 10-year, over $82 billion plan to help Canadians find housing. It will provide $72.9 million in funding for rent supplements and wrap-around services, such as counselling and treatment for substance use through its Services and Supports Stream.
The Capacity Building Stream will provide $6.2 million in funding to support research on veteran homelessness and capacity building.
Organizations that help veterans or eligible recipients need to apply to an online portal on Infrastructure Canada’s website. The application process opened on April 28 and will close on June 23.
Minister of Housing Ahmed Hussen said some veterans have “long-standing service-related disabilities or mental health and substance use issues,” which make it difficult for them to secure and maintain housing.
Lawrence MacAulay, minister of Veterans Affairs and associate minister of National Defence, said: “One homeless Veteran is one too many. The new Veteran Homelessness Program will go a long way to build on that work and help us end chronic homelessness among Veterans.”
The government, in its 2021 budget, spent $45 million on a pilot program directed at veteran homelessness. Budget 2022 provided $62.2 million, which includes operations and maintenance of the program to Infrastructure Canada, with support from Veterans Affairs Canada, to launch the new program.
While some clients may need ongoing access to rent supplements and wrap-around services, the government said it is expected that, with the right support, many veterans will transition to independent living over time.
