Vancouver Island veterans and former RCMP members in need of affordable housing, medical services, employment training, and job placement can now have further support after the John Howard Society of Victoria received $1.8 million in federal funding less than a week from Remembrance Day.
Funded through the federal Veteran Homelessness Program, the society's new Veterans Housing Supports project features peer support from former Canadian Armed Forces members, assistance in finding and viewing potential homes, support accessing medical and mental health treatment, and more.
“Our extensive experience supporting formerly incarcerated individuals' transition into the community brings a unique set of strengths and expertise that align well with helping veterans embrace civilian life and thrive,” noted JHSV executive director Manj Toor in a news release.
The society mentioned a recent study published by the Public Health Agency of Canada which found that veterans are at an elevated risk of mental health concerns, including alcohol dependence, depression, PTSD, and moral injury compared to the general population, which can contribute to overall wellness and housing status.
Though it’s difficult to estimate how many veterans need help on Vancouver Island, data from Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada suggested that in 2021 an estimated 1.6 per cent of emergency shelter users across the country were veterans, or about 1,900 individuals. The society aims to assist 100 to 150 eligible participants in the program's first year.
“Veterans in our community represent a diverse range of needs and abilities, and like anyone, their mental wellness plays a major role in the quality of their lives,” said program counsellor Julia Folk in the release. “This program seeks to support veterans and former RCMP in a well-rounded way because mental health wellness is thoroughly intertwined with all aspects of life.”
Veterans Housing Supports program referrals come from partner agencies, like the Royal Canadian Legion, and individuals can also self-refer.
