AFP/AAC Newsletter #30 - Bilingual/Bilingue

F or military veterans, returning to civilian life is not always a happy experience. In fact, it is estimated that for approximately 25% of Canadian Armed Forces personnel, the process of being re- leased from service back to civilian life is challenging and complex. Housing can be a particularly diffi- cult issue and Veterans Affairs Can- ada estimates that there are at least 2,600 homeless veterans across the country. While this number may seem shocking, the new Homes for Heroes Foundation believes it may be an understatement. The Homes for Heroes Founda- tion was launched to address the challenges of a growing number of military veterans who face a variety of crises. Transitioning into civilian life may impact an individual in a number of ways, including personal and social relationships and psychological health, not to mention financially and professionally. In some cases, veterans find themselves homeless, and that’s where Homes for Heroes comes in. The organization works to assist veterans in need to prog- ress towards a stable and secure life by providing housing and a ro- bust support system, both of which are essential components to help individuals regain both stability and dignity. Partnering with local social agencies in several cities across the country, Homes For Heroes works to sponsor veterans to be placed in Homes for Heroes transitional communities. The goal of these purpose-built developments is to have veterans live in an affordable home until they are ready either to re-enter mainstream society or be transferred to more permanent, long-term living communities. It is anticipated that veterans would spend a maximum of two years in a Homes For Heroes community, during which time they will be able to work on personal development, secure employment and prepare to transition successfully to civilian life. When one veteran moves out of his or her Homes For Heroes house, this will, in turn, free up the space for a new resident to begin their own journey towards personal and financial stability, making the Homes For Heroes program a sus- tainable solution to end the cycle of homelessness among the Canadian veteran population. Founded by noted philanthropist Murray McCann along with David Howard of the Canadian Legacy Project which supports Canadian veterans in need, Homes for Heroes works with national charity Veter- ans Emergency Transition Services Canada (VETS Canada). VETS Canada completes a first assessment before referring a veteran to its service partner, The Mustard Seed (Alberta non-profit organization assisting those who are homeless or living in poverty). At this point, further assessment is completed to ensure the veteran gets the neces- sary support and services to address their unique circumstances and issues. Where appropriate, this will include the provision of a secure, self-contained, comfortable house in a Homes For Heroes communi- ty. When a veteran is ready to seek civilian employment, they will be referred to additional social service partners who will offer assistance. The plan is for each community to consist of fifteen to twenty intel- ligently-designed 250 square foot homes, arranged around a commu- Homes for Heroes Foundation Addressing key transition issue for veterans Armed Forces Pensioners’ / Annuitants’ Association of Canada Issue #30 • Summer 2018