Ottawa Veterans’ House getting $1.5-million boost
Posted Apr 16, 2021 02:59:00 PM.
The governments of Ontario and Canada are providing $1.5-million to help house veterans who are at risk of, or are currently experiencing homelessness in Ottawa.
Veterans' House is a multi-faith housing initiative located in Ottawa's Vanier South area, which offers access mental health and addiction supports as well as housing.
“In Ottawa, the 2018 homelessness survey revealed that 5 per cent of respondents identified as former military or RCMP members,” says Mayor Jim Watson.
He explains that the government funding helps to address the city's affordable housing issue.
“Rising rents and low vacancy rates have made it difficult for people living on low and moderate incomes to find affordable housing that meets their particular needs. Coupled with population growth, Ottawa is now a city of a million people, and more complex needs among people who need support, we've seen enormous pressures on our housing system.”
The funding announcement, Friday, April 16, builds on a previous $6.5-million investment by the Government of Canada in Veterans' House, made back in 2019 through the National Housing Co-Investment Fund.
