End Homelessness St. John's gets $218K from Ottawa to help struggling veterans

Ottawa is granting a Newfoundland and Labrador non-profit a pot of money to prevent homelessness among the province's veterans.

St. John's East MP Joanne Thompson told reporters Tuesday the federal government is giving $218,000 to End Homelessness St. John's, contributing to its efforts to support veterans who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness.

"Our veterans have served the country courageously," Thompson said. "They deserve a safe and affordable place to call home."

Thompson said approximately 2,600 veterans across Canada are facing homelessness. 

She added that veterans are at risk not only of losing the roof over their heads, but also of maintaining it if they are provided with a home, due to prevalent issues such as post-traumatic stress disorder and physical disabilities.

"These disabilities make it very difficult for veterans to secure and maintain stable housing and employment. It is our moral and or ethical duty to support them," she said.

WATCH | End Homelessness St. John's, on how the funding will be used: 

Ottawa is teaming up with this anti-homelessness group to help veterans

14 days ago

Duration 1:15

The federal government is partnering with End Homelessness St. John's to help veterans in need. About $218,000 will fund an initiative to help veterans access housing and other support. The money will also help educate and train staff on what type of housing services veterans need as well as how to identify and support them.

The program funds research projects and data collection that intend to shed more light on the specific needs of veterans and subsequently find solutions, she said.

Abigail Sheppard, manager of systems co-ordination at End Homelessness St. John's, told CBC News they learned through veterans' organizations that there are individuals at risk of homelessness that don't ask for help.

She said one reason for that might be fear of shame and stigma.

Through the funding, the non-profit will create a new position called a veteran navigator, she said.

That staffer will work with community partners to find veterans in need and develop strategies to connect with them and provide better help that's customized to their specific situations.

"[The program's funding] offers a natural opportunity for us to take the next steps in how we understand and meet that need in the city," Sheppard said. 

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