CALGARY – Homeless advocates in Calgary are joining forces this fall to help almost 30 Canadian war veterans get off the street and into affordable housing.
Brian Decker has been walking the streets for almost eight years after sailing in the Royal Canadian Navy for almost a decade.
Decker says when his wife passed away his life fell apart. Depression, addiction and homelessness followed.
He’s been beaten and abused.
“It’s frustrating. Sometimes people aren’t the nicest they can be. Homeless is just not homeless. These people pray on homeless.”
John Langford wants to help veterans like Brian live the life they deserve.
“It’s a crisis and these people deserve the help Calgarians can give them.”
John is spearheading a new effort to open an affordable housing complex exclusively for homeless veterans. The complex will be 16 units located along the Beltline. They hope they can have the building ready for tenants by Remembrance Day.
“It’s important to help these guys out for the simple fact that they’ve given so much to the country already,” says Langford.
“I think we owe it to them.”
Decker says a new plan to house homeless veterans is a godsend.
“It makes you feel like you’re not alone. Like somebody actually gives a darn about you.”
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