N.S. non-profits receive $6.7M for veteran housing projects

The federal government announced $6.7 million Monday for two non-profits that work to address housing insecurity and homelessness among veterans in Nova Scotia.

The lion's share of the funding — $5.2 million — will go to Veterans Emergency Transition Services Canada (VETS Canada), while Landing Strong Cooperative Ltd. will receive the remaining $1.5 million.

Sean Fraser, the federal minister of housing, infrastructure and communities, told a news conference in Dartmouth that it is becoming increasingly difficult to secure housing, particularly for veterans who are struggling with mental health issues or addictions after their military service.

"Some of our most vulnerable continue to go to bed without a place to call home," said Fraser, who is also the MP for Central Nova.

Government estimates indicate that of 461,240 Canadian veterans, 2,600 of them are currently experiencing homelessness.

"We can afford to send our citizens to war, we can afford to take care of them when they come home," said Fraser.

The funding is part of Ottawa's National Housing Strategy and comes from the Veteran Homelessness Program, which last year pledged $79.1 million for partner organizations that help combat and conduct related research Canada-wide.

'Difference between life and death'

Debbie Lowther, CEO of VETS Canada, said she sees many veterans falling through the gaps after they return from deployment or retire from the Forces. 

"For the veterans we have the privilege to work with, it could mean the difference between life and death," she said.

The organization will use the funding for its Ground Support for Veterans project, which aims to provide rent supplements to veterans paying more than 30 per cent of their household income in rent. By comparison, rent supplements in Nova Scotia are only available for renters paying 50 per cent of their gross income on the average market rent in their area. 

"Being able to provide ongoing supplements is a game changer," said Lowther.

VETS Canada also helps veterans by finding temporary housing and developing a resource network to connect veterans with landlords to find permanent housing.

"We already identified and supported 34 veterans who are homeless or on a trajectory to become homeless," said Lowther. 

Landing Strong Cooperative Ltd., which works with people dealing with operational stress injuries, will use the funding to identify veterans and help them access the services they need, as well as provide financial assistance for housing and basic needs.

"When someone is living with PTSD or other operational stress injuries, they already feel isolated and alone," said Belinda Seagram, founder and executive director.

"How can recovery happen when the basics of food and housing are not guaranteed?"