The federal government is putting over $78 million into a program to help veterans and ex-RCMP members who are grappling with housing issues.
Prince Edward Island MP Bobby Morrissey was in Summerside on Friday to announce the Veterans Homelessness Program.
The funding includes nearly $500,000 over four years for the John Howard Society of P.E.I. to support the delivery of the program on the Island.
The program will help veterans and former Mounties with anything from rental subsidies and damage deposits to money for rent payments that are in arrears.
Bobby Morrissey, MP for P.E.I.’s Egmont riding, says there are at least 2,600 veterans and ex-Mounties facing homelessness across the country. (Tony Davis/CBC)
“We’re told that the number would exceed at least 2,600 people across Canada as a whole that are experiencing challenges finding adequate, safe housing,” Morrissey said.
“My hope is that we don’t have a situation where we have even one veteran or ex-RCMP member that is facing homelessness.”
‘Wrap-around services’ too
The Veterans Homelessness Program will be funded through 2027-28, and includes $72.9 million for rent supplements and “wrap-around services” like counselling and treatment for substance abuse.
An additional $6.2 million will fund research on veteran homelessness and organizations across the country that serve those who are unhoused or at risk.
Conor Mullin, president of the John Howard Society in P.E.I., said the organization has already identified at least two people in the province with housing challenges.
These are people who have put their lives on the line to defend our country, stand up for our freedoms, our values, to defend our communities. — Conor Mullin, John Howard Society
“It’s an absolute shame. These are people who have put their lives on the line to defend our country, stand up for our freedoms, our values, to defend our communities,” Mullin said.
“They’ve done so much for us, and then to think that after that — and the sacrifices that they’ve made — that they’re experiencing this, it’s an absolute disgrace and a shame.”
He said the federal funding will help organizations across the country further uncover the extent of the problem in each province.
‘It hurts’
As for veterans, at least two of them say Ottawa’s program will help take the burden off people who may be wary of asking for help because they’re struggling with mental health issues, addictions and pride.
“It’s likely that there will be some veterans that will fall through the cracks,” said Jean Berube, a veteran from Summerside.
Jean Berube, left, and LeRoy Gamble, air force veterans from Summerside, P.E.I., say it’s hurtful to see their fellow vets struggling. (Tony Davis/CBC)
“The military sort of sets you up to take care of yourself and look after yourself. So it’s very hard for some members to reach out for help.”
Berube’s fellow air force veteran LeRoy Gamble said it’s hard to see people from that community struggling.
“It hurts,” Gamble said. “A lot of people from the service are experiencing PTSD, and that makes them back off from help sometimes. That can be looked after now, I think.”
Mullin said the John Howard Society is aware of the array of challenges that veterans and former RCMP members face.
He hopes this program will give them one less thing to worry about.
“Members of the veterans and military community, they certainly do have a lot of pride and they should have a lot of pride in all that they’ve done. But sometimes pride can make it difficult to either seek help or accept help when it’s offered,” Mullin said.
“You have absolutely nothing to be ashamed of. You have done us a great service and now let us return that service to you.”