Landing Strong: A safe haven for recovery
Funding provided under the Veteran Homeless Program.
“This population has served our country, putting themselves at risk for the safety and protection of community. We believe it’s our responsibility to now serve them.”
In the heart of the town of Windsor, Nova Scotia, a quiet but powerful initiative is changing lives. Landing Strong Cooperative Ltd., a non-profit organisation, has been a sanctuary of support since 2018. It offers a safe haven for those who have dedicated their lives to service, including military members, Veterans, first responders, frontline healthcare workers, and correctional staff. The journey to healing is often long and complex, but at Landing Strong, no one faces it alone.
For many, trauma lingers long after the uniform is hung up. Stress-related conditions and psychological struggles become daily battles, making it difficult to reconnect with family and community. Recognizing this need, Landing Strong was founded to offer a therapeutic circle of support where healing extends beyond individual treatment and into the fabric of everyday life. Services are offered both in-person and online, ensuring that those who need support can access it no matter where they are.
Landing Strong’s mission is to help individuals recover while rediscovering who they are beyond their experiences of trauma. Healing happens within community, and the organisation ensures that families, peers, and support networks are part of this journey. Together, they create an environment where no one feels isolated.
Did you know?
Veterans experiencing homelessness tend to be older than the average person experiencing homelessness. In a 2020 survey, 47% of Veterans were adults or seniors, compared to 30% of non-Veterans.
Veterans were also more likely to have a medical condition (49%) or physical limitation (47%) than non-Veterans (39%, 34%).
Federal support for Veteran homelessness
Through the Veteran Homelessness Program (VHP), the federal government is delivering $79.1 million to assist Veterans experiencing or at imminent risk of homelessness. The VHP supports the delivery of rent supplements, wraparound supports such as substance use treatment and counselling, and funds capacity building and research to better understand the needs of Veterans experiencing homelessness. Landing Strong received over $1.7 million in funding through this program.
With this funding, Landing Strong is expanding its efforts to provide immediate housing solutions along with the critical supports Veterans need to regain stability and independence. This includes access to trauma-informed mental health care, and community reintegration programs designed to help Veterans rebuild their lives. The focus is on lasting recovery, ensuring that those who once served their country are now supported in their journey toward a secure and fulfilling future.
Veteran homelessness reflects the need for stability, compassion, and consistent support. A safe home allows people to rebuild trust in themselves and reconnect with those around them. With support from the federal government, Landing Strong continues to create opportunities for recovery and independence. Every Veteran who finds stability through this work is reminded that their service is honoured not only in words, but in the care and respect they continue to receive.
Quick facts
- As of April 2025, the Government of Canada estimates that there are over 2,000 Veterans experiencing homelessness across Canada.
- An estimated 1.4% of shelter users in 2021 reported serving as either Canadian Armed Forces, former RCMP officers, veterans of allied countries, or civilian veterans. This is consistent with the estimated overall proportion of veterans in Canada (1.7%).
- The Veteran Homelessness Program is part of Canada's National Housing Strategy, a 10-year, $115-billion-plus plan aimed at providing Canadians, including Veterans, with safe and affordable housing.
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