Ottawa earmarks $1.9M for groups helping homeless veterans

VANCOUVER — The federal government is earmarking $1.9 million in funding for community groups helping homeless veterans.

Human Resources Minister Diane Finley was in Calgary to announce the funds, along with $1.8 million in in-kind contributions from Veterans Affairs Canada, to existing shelters to offer housing and support for homeless vets.

The housing project will roll out in Calgary, Toronto, London, and Victoria.

Statistics are not available, but advocates suggest there are thousands of former soldiers living on the streets across Canada and that number will grow following Canada’s decade-long war in Afghanistan.

The office of the veterans ombudsman began sounding the alarm over homelessness within the ranks of Canada’s former soldiers in 2008.

this week

• SLIDESHOW — Red Deer standoff ends peacefully • May-14-2013
• Warrants issued for suspects in carjacking near Blackfalds • May-17-2013
• Man faces multiple charges following Tuesday standoff • May-15-2013
• Remains identified as those of Rocky man • May-17-2013
• Police squad targets local organized crime • May-16-2013
• Flames force evacuations • May-13-2013
• Man stabbed in Red Deer apartment • May-17-2013
• RCMP charge two more men with murder • May-17-2013
• Man stabbed in Red Deer park • May-14-2013
• Case of missing Red Deer pig must close by June • May-14-2013

last week

• Red Deer College suspends 6 programs, cuts 32 jobs • May-09-2013
• Man crosses river to save woman • May-09-2013
• Tower plunge victim named • May-08-2013
• Police probe homicide • May-07-2013
• Diversified Glycol Services warehouse destroyed by fire • May-08-2013
• Shoppers flock to Target • May-07-2013
• Worker falls to death from wireless tower • May-08-2013
• Target opening in Red Deer Tuesday • May-06-2013
• Camera captures thievery • May-10-2013
• Wildfire west of Nordegg held in place • May-08-2013

Red Deer Advocate