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.