Veteran Homelessness
The information and resources here are intended to support your efforts to end Veteran homelessness.
Built for Zero Canada has aligned its veteran definition with Veteran Affairs Canada. According to Veterans Affairs Canada, a veteran includes any former member of the Canadian Armed Forces along with former members of an Allied Forces (e.g., U.S./U.K veteran), former members of the RCMP, former Reservists, Veteran Civilians, and former Canadian Rangers.
A Veteran experiencing homelessness includes those who do not have stable, permanent, appropriate housing, or the immediate prospect, means and ability of acquiring it (paraphrased from COH and the Government of Canada’s National Housing Strategy).
The ultimate objective is to have absolute zero veterans experiencing homelessness. On the path to get there, Built for Zero Canada supports communities to reach and sustain functional zero on veteran homelessness:
- Functional Zero Veteran Homelessness: When the number of veterans experiencing homelessness is less than or equal to the number of veterans a community has proven it can house in a month.
- Further detail: The functional zero threshold is based on the communities six-month average housing rate for veterans. The number of veterans experiencing homelessness must be held at or below this functional zero threshold (or three or less actively homeless veterans, whichever is greater) for at least three consecutive months.
- Example: If your community is housing four veterans a month on average, you must have four or fewer veterans experiencing homelessness at the end of each month, sustained for three consecutive months. In this way, the community has shown that the capacity of the system to house veterans is greater than the demand.
For a further explanation of functional zero for veteran homelessness, see the Functional Zero Key Messages One-Pager or the more detailed Functional Zero Q&A or watch the short video below. To learn more about the steps that Built for Zero Canada takes to confirm functional zero for veteran homelessness see this Functional Zero Veteran Homelessness Confirmation Overview.
We believe homelessness is a national emergency requiring urgent and immediate action. The time has come to stop managing veteran homelessness and start ending it. We can create a future where veteran homelessness is never inevitable or a way of life. Communities in both Canada and the US are showing that its possible!
Canada is ending veteran homelessness
There are now three communities who have been confirmed in Canada for Functional Zero Veteran Homelessness:
- London, Ontario. In February 2021, London was announced as the first community in Canada to reach Functional Zero Veteran Homelessness. Read about their accomplishment HERE and their Case Study HERE. Watch this webinar about what London is learning about sustaining Functional Zero Veteran Homelessness two years in – Recording and PDF (January 2023).
- St. Thomas-Elgin, Ontario. In April 2023, St. Thomas-Elgin was announced as the second community in Canada to reach Functional Zero Veteran Homelessness. Read about their accomplishment HERE and their Case Study HERE.
- Fort McMurray, Alberta. In August 2023, Fort McMurray was announced as the third community in Canada to reach Functional Zero Veteran Homelessness. Read about their accomplishments HERE and their Case Study HERE.
More communities are on their way to ending veteran homelessness. With funding from Veterans Affairs Canada, Built for Zero Canada is working with over 20 participating communities and national partners with the goal to end veteran homelessness in their communities. Read more in this CAEH blog (November 18, 2019). A number of communities are in the home stretch for confirming Functional Zero Veteran Homelessness anticipated in 2023. See further information and community progress on ending veteran homelessness HERE.
In June 2019, the House of Commons unanimously adopted a motion urging an end to veteran homelessness (Globe and Mail, June 14, 2019). Read more about the motion and the importance of ending veteran homelessness in this CAEH blog (June 5, 2019). The interest in ending veteran homelessness was emphasized again in the December 2019 Throne Speech, that the Government will build on that work by improving mental health care supports, and helping ensure that every homeless veteran has a place to call home. Read more about it in this CAEH blog (December 6, 2019). In their 2021 budget, the government of Canada promised a pilot program aimed at reducing veteran homelessness and in 2022 expanded on that pilot proposal to create a $106.8 million five year program for 2023/24 – 2027/28 for rent supplements and wrap-around supports (CAEH22 presentation). The Veteran Homelessness Program was officially announced in April 2023 (see further information in this CAEH Blog).
US is ending veteran homelessness
In November 2022, the US National Alliance to End Homelessness and its partners announced that despite the COVID-19 pandemic and the cost-of-living crisis, veteran homelessness has been reduced in the US by 11% since 2020. And since 2010, American veteran homelessness has reduced in total by 55.3%. Veteran homelessness has been effectively ended in three states and 83 communities as of October 2022 (see this Veteran Affairs site that provides updates on the number of communities that have ended veteran homelessness according the USICH definition). Read more about the Biden-Harris Administration’s strategies to end Veteran Homelessness (Nov 2021).
Community Solutions provides updates on the number of communities that have ended veteran homelessness in the US using the more rigorous outcomes-based Built for Zero definition (the same one used by Built for Zero Canada). Further information from Community Solutions:
- Read this blog to learn more about the difference between Community Solutions functional zero definition and the Federal Criteria and Benchmarks set by USICH.
- Veteran homelessness is solvable webpage – with further information on the 12 Built for Zero communities that have functionally ended veteran homelessness and many more that are making progress.
- See the following videos from Community Solutions on communities that have ended veterans homelessness:
- Veterans on Experiencing Homelessness (3.5 min)
- Ending Veteran Homelessness It’s Happening! (2 min)
- Gulf Coast, TX First To End Veteran Homelessness (4 min)
- Bergen County, NJ Ends Veteran Homelessness (3 min)
- Rockford, IL Ends Veteran Homelessness (3 min)
- Crater Region, VA Ends Veteran Homelessness (1 min)
National organizations
Veterans Affairs Canada
- VAC and Veteran Homelessness in Canada – website with information on services and links to other resources.
- Moving Towards Ending Homelessness Among Veterans (May 2019) – Report of the Standing Committee on Veterans Affairs – outlines VAC programs, community programs and other partner organizations across Canada.
- Help With At-Risk Housing – from the VAC website – see also the Veterans Independence Program – helping veterans remain in their homes
- The online map is a great resource and means of connecting with Area Offices.
- For inquiries related to VAC programs and services, area offices and the National Contact Centre Network (NCCN), etc. please visit this page.
- General Inquires: 1-866-522-2122 and VAC Assistance Service (24 hour counselling with a mental health professional): 1-800-268-7708
- Use these forms to share information with VAC:
- VAC Occupational Stress Injury (OSI) Clinics
- Occupational Stress Injury Social Support (OSISS) Programs
Royal Canadian Legion
The Royal Canadian Legion is committed to helping Veterans and their families in need find homes. There are national and provincial programs that offer financial assistance and support for homeless Veterans and those at-risk of homelessness.
- Royal Canadian Legion Homeless Veterans – website page with supports available and includes their Action Plan to Prevent and Eradicate Veterans Homelessness (2020-2025), information on the Leave the Streets Behind Program and the Poppy Fund, and how to make contact with Provincial Command Offices and area branches
- Operation Leave the Streets Behind – Homeless Veterans Assistance Program:
- Operation Leave the Street Behind Brochure
- Operation Leave the Streets Behind Overview (2 page written overview updated December 2021)
- Ontario Operation Leave the Street Behind Application Form (updated 2023) (other Provincial Command Offices will accept this form as well)
VETS Canada
VETS Canada is a national, volunteer driven, nonprofit charity. As service providers of Veterans Affairs Canada, they provide aid and comfort to Canadian veterans that are in-crisis, are at risk of becoming homeless, or are experiencing homelessness. Operating since 2010, they operate Drop In Centres in Dartmouth NS where National Headquarters is located, Ottawa ON and Edmonton AB. They also operate a 24/7 Ground Support Line at 1-888-228-3871 providing peer support and financial assistance to attain or retain housing (e.g., one-time rent assistance, utility assistance, groceries, etc.).
- VETS Canada website
RESPECT Campaign
The Respect Campaign is a civilian not-for-profit project that was initiated in 2015. They are headquartered in Montreal Quebec and facilitate a national networking initiative involving forums in more than 20 Canadian cities. This network promotes collaboration among organizations and stakeholders who support the mental health of our men and women in uniformed service. Their mission is to create a network among organizations who support CAF veterans, Emergency Responders, and their families in meeting the array of challenges, such as: transition, mental health, and housing instability, by promoting collaboration that improves the delivery of services.
- RESPECT Campaign website
- RESPECT Map website – a searchable directory of Canadian organizations and service providers who support veterans of the Canadian Armed Forces, Royal Canadian Mounted Police, emergency responders, and their families.
Canadian Forces Morale and Welfare Services
Morale and welfare programs, services, and activities for CAF Regular and Reserve Force members, retired and former CAF members, military families, Department of National Defence employees, NPF employees, and RCMP personnel. Military Family Resource Centres operate on CAF bases, each its own not-for-profit organization, managed by a volunteer board of directors, represented by a majority of military family members. They assess local needs, in order to avoid duplication of community services and resources, while determining priorities, providing leadership and the mandated delivery of the national Military Family Services Program.
Soldiers Helping Soldiers
Soldiers Helping Soldiers (SHS) is a volunteer activity, developed through the initiative of serving personnel, which seeks to connect homeless veterans and/or veterans or serving members not yet, but on a trajectory to be, homeless with the services and benefits to which they are entitled. Started in 2018, Soldiers Helping Soldiers volunteer activities began in the National Capital Region, as well as the start up of three Regional offshoots (Montreal, Valcartier and Calgary).
Wounded Warriors Canada
Wounded Warriors Canada supports veterans with health services including counseling, rehabilitation, skills-building programs and networking opportunities.
Helmets to Hardhats Canada
Helmets to Hardhats (H2H) Canada is a registered non-profit organization providing opportunities in the unionized construction industry for serving, transitioning and former military members.
provincial GOVERNMENT Supports
Alberta Military Family Resources
Government of Alberta website with links to information on education, health care and more to help military families and veterans get set up and settled in Alberta. The Government of Alberta also funds a Veterans Service Centre in Edmonton where veterans can find financial, employment, housing and crisis supports.
- Military Family Resources – website
- Veterans Services Centre – Edmonton
- Alberta government’s Military Liaison to the Canadian Armed Forces – Email: military.liaison@gov.ab.ca
New Brunswick – Information for Veterans
Are you looking for basic information about provincial programs and services for veterans and their family? The toll-free NB Veterans Information Line provides such information to assists New Brunswick veterans, their family and caregivers when navigating their way through the various government departments and agencies with the help of a bilingual, customer-service oriented telephone agent.
- Toll-free NB Veterans information line at 1-855-550-0552
- Further information here
Nova Scotia Military Relations – Project Support
In recognition of the important role the military plays in Nova Scotia’s society and economy, the Department of Intergovernmental Affairs offers support to community groups and organizations that work to enhance and support military activities across Nova Scotia.
Ontario Soldiers’ Aid Commission
With funding from the Government of Ontario, the Soldiers’ Aid Commission provides financial assistance to Ontario’s eligible Veterans and their families in financial need up to $2,000 per year to secure and maintain housing, for health related items and supports, and other basic needs and supports. If you know of a Veteran who may be eligible for funding, tell them that they can apply through the Royal Canadian Legion or Veterans Affairs Canada (see information below). Funding provided by the Soldiers’ Aid Commission is exempt as income under both the Ontario Disability Support Program Act and the Ontario Works Act.
- Soldier’s Aid Commission website and for further information email sac@ontario.ca or call 416-327-4674
- See Poster and Postcard
- Apply through:
- Royal Canadian Legion – Ontario Command. If an applicant is connected to their local Legion they can apply through the Royal Canadian Legion – Ontario Command. Toll-free: 1-888-207-0939 or info@on.legion.ca.
- Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC): • Toll-free: 1-866-522-2122 or vac.information.acc@canada.ca
- Canadian Armed Forces 101 – For Civilians (National Defence) – a manual that is organized as an “on-line course” with eight modules including: 1) Introduction, 2) Department of National Defence, 3) The Canadian Armed Forces, 4) Military Ethos and Ethics, 5) CAF Structures, 6) CAF Careers, 7) Military Life, 8) Conclusion. A Glossary is included at the end as well as the answers to the Exercises that are available at the end of each module.
- 2021 Census on Veterans (released July 2022) – For the first time in 50 years, the 2021 census included a question on Canadians’ military experience, including Veterans.
- Diversity of Canada’s Veteran and military population Infographic – a summary from the 2021 census (released Nov 2022)
- Canadian Institute for Military and Veteran Health Research (CIMVHR) – provides relevant research and resources for veterans services, policy makers, academics, etc.
Veterans and Homelessness
- Everyone Counts 2020-2022: Preliminary Highlights Report (INFC, 2023) – Respondents who identified as veterans of the Canadian Armed Forces and RCMP accounted for 1 in 20 of all respondents (5%), and tended to be older than non-veterans.
- Veteran Homelessness in Canada Data Snap Shot (INFC, 2022) – data as of March 2021 from three sources: National shelter data from 2019, the 2018 Nationally Coordinated Point-in-Time (PiT) Count, and Veterans Affairs Canada Facts & Figures March 2020 Edition
- Is Veteran Homelessness a Problem in Canada? (COH blog, 2021) and What Do We Know About Veteran Homelessness in Canada (COH blog, 2016)
- Moving Towards Ending Homelessness Among Veterans: Report of the Standing Committee of Veterans Affairs (May 2019)
- The Extent and Nature of Veteran Homelessness in Canada (ESDC report, 2015) – examines shelter data over 2014
- The Canadian Model for Housing and Support for Veterans Experiencing Homelessness – the final report of a two-year evaluation project from 2012-2014 to test housing-with-support strategies for addressing homelessness among Canadian Veterans in four Canadian cities (Calgary, London, Toronto and Victoria).
- The Experience of Homelessness Among Canadian Forces and Allied Forces Veterans (2011) – Report summarizing the results of interviews with 54 Veterans experiencing homelessness from five Canadian Cities.
indigenous veterans and homelessness
Canada has a long and complex history of Indigenous participation in the Canadian military. Indigenous Veteran homelessness in Canada highlights the cumulative ways in which homelessness, former military service, and Indigenous identity intersect to create unique risk factors. According to the 2021 Census of Population, 5.2% of Veterans are Indigenous, greater than the overall share of population aged 17 and older who are Indigenous at 4.4%.
- November 8th is National Indigenous Veterans Day – read this VAC page to learn more about the long and proud tradition of First Nations, Inuit and Métis military service in Canada
- Indigenous Veterans: Equals on the Battlefield But Not at Home (ICTINC, 2021) – a short article to better understand the intersection between Indigenous military service, homelessness and colonization
- Indigenous Video – Honouring Our Veterans: This documentary shares stories from First Nations war veterans of Nishnawbe Aski Nation to remind us of the complex and critical history of Indigenous peoples in Canadian military service. (Copyright 2009 Nishnawbe Aski Nation and Thunderstone Pictures)
- Homeless Indigenous Veterans and the Current Gap in Knowledge: The State of the Literature (Journal of Military and Veterans Health, 2019)
- Here are three Indigenous specific Veteran Associations – Aboriginal Veterans Autochtones and Canadian Aboriginal Veterans Serving Members Association and the National Aboriginal Veterans Association
Women, Non-Binary and 2SLGBTQI+ VETERANS and homelessness
For more than 100 years, women have contributed to Canada’s military heritage. The number of women serving in the military has been increasing over the years and continues to rise. According to the 2021 Census of Population, women make up almost 20% of veterans in Canada and of military serving members, transgender men and women make up .01% (same as general population) and non-binary make up .02% (higher than general population). The Canadian Armed Forces has been found to have sexualized culture hostile to many members—but in particular to those who are women, gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender (2021 Census, The Daily). Work is underway to address these issues. Women Veterans are currently four times more likely to experience homelessness than women who did not serve in the military (COH, 2022).
- VAC Office of Women and 2SLGBTQI+ Veterans – this office was established in 2019 to contribute to advancing gender equality, diversity and inclusion for women and 2SLGBTQI+ Veterans.
- 2SLGBTQI+ Veterans toll-free hotline at 1-800-487-7797
- Gender Based Analysis Plus (GBA+) – VAC’s strategy, policies, and free on-line training
- Report: 2023 Women and 2SLGBTQI+ Veterans Forum – includes recommendations from this two-day forum
- Understanding Women Veterans’ Homelessness in Canada (COH, 2022)
- Respect Forum Women’s Outreach – information and resources on women Veterans homelessness
BFZ-C Ending Veteran Homelessness Tools and Resources
- BFZ-C Ending Veteran Homelessness Community Guide (Sept, 2023) – a 20 page guide with definitions, initial steps, information to support partnering with Veteran service providers, tips for asking the Veteran question, instructions for confirming Veteran status, and more.
- BFZ-C Veteran & Veteran Homelessness Myths & Facts Sheet (Sept, 2023) – answers to 24 of the most commonly asked questions and myths about Veterans and Veteran homelessness.
- Veteran Knowledge Exchange and Training:
- March 26, 2020 – Back In Step: Police and First Responders Helping Homeless Veterans – Recording and PDF
- April 30, 2020 – Veteran Affairs Canada Overview – Recording
- November 12, 2020 – Ending Veteran Homelessness – Recording and PDF
- April 28, 2021 – Getting to a Veteran Quality By-Name List: Tips and Tricks – Recording and PDF
- January 27, 2023 – London Reaching and Sustaining Functional Zero Veteran Homelessness – Recording and PDF
Housing First and Veteran Homelessness
- How Housing First Cut Veteran Homelessness in Half (2022) – a fact sheet from the US National Low Income Housing Coalition and other partners
- How Housing First Ends Veteran Homelessness (Blog, NAEH, 2022) – a first hand account
- Ending Veteran Homelessness through Housing First (A BFZ-C webinar with Canadian Experts, 2021) – Recording and PDF
- The Canadian Model for Housing and Support for Veterans Experiencing Homelessness – a two-year evaluation project from 2012-2014 to test housing-with-support strategies for addressing homelessness among Canadian Veterans in four Canadian cities (Calgary, London, Toronto and Victoria).
- Towards Ending Homelessness for Veterans In Canada – Unpacking the Learning from the Canadian Model for Housing and Support for Veterans Experiencing Homelessness – BFZ-C Pre-Recorded Mini Webinars:
- An Overview of Research and Recommendations from A Canadian Model for Housing and Support of Veterans Experiencing Homelessness – Recording (25 mins)
- Housing Stability – Part 1 of 2 – Recording (15 mins)
- Housing Stability – Part 2 of 2 – Recording (15 mins)
- Peer Program Practice Guide – Recording (16 mins)
Other Resources
- Veteran Affairs Canada – Homelessness Package – contains a poster, a summary of available programs, outreach strategy, sample letter to community agencies
- One Homeless Veteran Is One Too Many – Veterans Affairs Canada Poster for download
- Back in Step Video (9 min) – created to help first responders identify and address Veteran homelessness
- Niagara Region Veteran Outreach Video (2 min) – Veteran homelessness outreach worker speaks about his role in the community
- Sample Veterans Experiencing Homelessness Advisory Committee – Terms of Reference (London, ON 2019)