The federal government has announced funding of $4.5 million through the Affordable Housing Fund to help build Veterans’ House Canada’s new supportive housing project in Edmonton.
This project aims to provide Canadians with increased access to affordable and sustainable housing.
The announcement was made by Eleanor Olszewski, Minister of Emergency Management and Community Resilience and Minister responsible for Prairies Economic Development Canada, and Member of Parliament for Edmonton Centre on behalf of Gregor Robertson, Minister of Housing and Infrastructure and Minister responsible for Pacific Economic Development Canada, alongside Amarjeet Sohi, Mayor of Edmonton.
The new building, located in the Athlone neighbourhood of Edmonton, will include 40 bachelor units meant for veterans, as well as amenities such as a fitness room, library, meditation park, community garden, and a park for service dogs.
“As we build a strong Canadian housing sector, purposeful collaboration will be essential. That means working hand-in-hand with the non-profit sector to bring down costs and build homes at a scale and speed not seen since the Second World War,” said the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) in a release.
Veterans’ House Canada is a national charity with a mission to build and operate homes that provide affordable, supportive, permanent housing for homeless veterans, and on-site services including wrap-around transitional support programs tailored to the treatment of mental health and addiction-related challenges.
“Everyone deserves a safe, affordable place to call home — and that’s especially true for those who have served our country in uniform. Right here in Edmonton, Veterans’ House Canada is building housing that meets the unique needs of veterans, with supports and a sense of community. Our government is proud to support this project, which will give local veterans the stability they need and the respect they deserve,” said Olszewski.