Veterans at greater risk of homelessness across Canada
Posted Nov 9, 2022 09:00:00 PM.
Veterans of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) are two to three times more likely to experience homelessness compared to the average Canadian, according to a charity dedicated to the issue.
Retired Brigadier General Alan Mulawyshyn, deputy executive director of the charity Veteran's House Canada, said on Wake Up with Rob Snow on Nov. 9 that there are more than 100 homeless veterans in Ottawa alone, and between 3,000 and 5,000 across the country. On average, more than four per cent of Canadian cities' homeless population are veterans, according to a 2018 national report on homelessness from Employment and Social Development Canada.
As with other Canadians, mental health, substance abuse and physical health are factors contributing to homelessness among veterans. However, Mulawyshynm said veterans face other unique challenges that exacerbate the issue.
“There are a couple of factors that really pile on with veterans,” said Mulawyshyn. “Some of their problems are caused by their service, what they have seen or done during training, overseas or here in Canada.”
Transitioning out of military life can be difficult. Military service provides a hierarchy of support and leadership not replicated in civilian life, so veterans often do not know where to go for help. Mulawyshyn adds many veterans do not leave the CAF by choice, but are forced out due to injury or illness, making the transition all the more challenging.
Veteran's House Canada, built on the former Rockliffe Canadian Airforce Base, is a shelter focused on providing “supportive, affordable, and permanent housing” to veterans, according to their website. The 40 room shelter opened in February 2021, partnering with Veteran Affairs Canada to provide programs addressing chronic homelessness amongst Canada's veterans.
“It's really trying to have the best of having their own space, but to also access to community support,” said Mulawyshyn. “We have a full time community development social worker on site who works with each individual veteran to figure out what are the underlying causes for the homelessness and we can help fix those.”
Mulawyshyn hopes the veteran-centred support provided at Veteran's House Canada will be replicated in cities across the country.
Listen to the full interview with Retired Brigadier General Alan Mulawyshyn below:
