Supporting Those Who Supported Us
Funding provided through the Veteran Homelessness Program (VHP).
Our Veterans served with courage – it's our turn to serve them. That’s why the Government of Canada partners with organizations like Veterans Emergency Transition Services (VETS) Canada to address Veteran homelessness in Canada.
Did you know?
According to Census 2021, there were an estimated 461,240 Canadian Veterans. It is estimated there are approximately 2,600 Veterans experiencing homelessness.
Since its establishment in 2010, VETS Canada has expanded its mission to support Canadian Armed Forces and RCMP Veterans. Originally focused on Veterans experiencing homelessness, VETS Canada now offers a wide range of assistance to address various hardships—from financial challenges to emotional and mental health crises.
VETS Canada is also proud to support Canadian Veterans who identify as members of the 2SLGBTQI+ community. All support is provided by someone from the community who is very familiar with the unique challenges faced by 2SLGBTQI+ Veterans.
Operating across Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland and Labrador, and Nova Scotia, VETS Canada works closely with landlords and local community organizations to create a support network tailored to each Veteran’s unique needs. This collaboration ensures that Veterans not only find housing but also regain a sense of belonging within their communities.
With the help of funding from the Government of Canada’s Veteran Homelessness Program, VETS Canada’s Ground Support for Veterans program provides support to Veterans experiencing or at imminent risk of homelessness by providing rent supplements, complemented by specialized services like mental health counselling and financial assistance. The program supports a suite of components that include facilitating access to medical assistance, covering moving costs, rental assistance, and providing temporary accommodations. By helping secure affordable housing for Veterans and connecting them to services that strengthen life skills, address healthcare needs, and help with financial management, the program’s approach is designed to lead to long-term success, where Veterans don’t just survive — they thrive.
Included in Canada’s Housing Plan, the Veteran Homelessness Program is dedicated to preventing and reducing homelessness among Veterans who have served our country with honour and sacrifice. Through partnerships with dedicated organizations like VETS Canada, the federal government is committed to ensuring that every Veteran has access to affordable housing and the support they need to build a better future.
Quick facts:
- VETS Canada proudly supports every Canadian Veteran, inclusive of all cultures and communities, with respect. All inquiries are handled in confidence and without judgement.
- The Government of Canada partners with organizations across the country to provide rent supplements and mental health support to Veterans experiencing or at risk of homelessness, supports research on Veteran homelessness, and helps organizations increase their capacity to serve those in need.
- The Veteran Homelessness Program provides funding to projects under two streams:
- Services and Supports Stream – for rent supplements and wrap-around services, such as counselling and treatment for substance use.
- Capacity Building Stream – for research and improved data collection. This stream also helps organizations increase their capacity so that they can deliver tailored programs.
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