‘I don’t think we value them’: More than 100 homeless veterans living on Vancouver’s streets

As thousands of people gathered to honour and remember those who served and continue to serve in the Canadian forces, a heartbreaking reality is that many veterans are homeless.

There are more than 100 homeless veterans living in Metro Vancouver, according to Homeless Hub. Across the country, a recent study found almost 3,000 veterans do not have a permanent home.

The study found the most common reason behind homelessness for veterans is the difficulty transitioning back to civilian life after military service.

“It all starts in our opinion from that all-important transition to civilian life phase, leaving the Department of National Defence, getting into Veterans Affairs Canada. I mean, we know there’s gaps in that process,” Scott Maxwell, executive director of Wounded Warriors Canada, told Global News.

Maxwell said care and follow-ups have to begin from the moment the veteran is released from the force and long gaps in appointments or check-ups can lead to people falling through the cracks.

“There’s no one clear path, there’s no one clear answer to the question,” he said.

3:03 B.C. Remembers: In Flanders Fields sung by the Vancouver Bach Youth Choir and Sarabande

Maxwell said veterans face the same challenges many others do when it comes to housing, food security and affordability.

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“What are we going to expect if we can’t afford and don’t have the funds to succeed?” he asked.

“You can’t have 25,000 (veterans) awaiting a claim adjudication for benefits and financial rewards that they’re entitled to and expect, and not be having this conversation about homelessness.”

Many veterans can be reluctant to seek help due to their desire to speak to someone who really understands what their specific needs are.

“Serving in the military, it’s not just a career, it’s a culture, so the men and women who served want to accept assistance from someone who understands their culture,” Debbie Lowther, co-founder of VETS Canada told Global News.

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Lowther said there are more support networks for veterans these days but it is still not enough.

“I think once a veteran does release, unless they’re connected to Veterans Affairs, then we aren’t keeping track of them… But as far as benefits and financial awards go, veterans who don’t have service-related injuries, don’t receive service from Veterans Affairs,” she added.

Therefore, those veterans are not tracked once they are released from service.

Lowther said she considers that to be a gap in care and service.

“I think part of the issue is identifying those veterans who are struggling,” she said.

“I just don’t think we value the men and women who served as we should.”

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In a statement to Global News, Veterans Affairs said “veteran homelessness is unacceptable in Canada. One homeless Veteran is one too many.”

The organization said it is continuously trying to reach out and support homeless veterans and those at risk of homelessness.
“Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) has provided information on its programs and services to approximately 200 community organizations that work with the homeless in more than 50 cities across the country, including key information on how to connect with VAC so that we can assist. All VAC offices across Canada have a staff member identified as the point of contact to work with homeless Veterans and local homelessness organizations and service providers.

VAC also has programs aimed at helping resolve Veteran Homelessness:

• The Veteran Homelessness Program towards which $106.8 million has been committed by the Government of Canada between Budget 2021 and Budget 2022. This Program will provide longer-term support to Veterans experiencing homelessness such as rent supplements and wrap-around services.
• Through the Veteran and Family Well-Being Fund – which provides funding for innovative research projects that can improve the well-being of Canadian veterans and their families – we are supporting local and national organizations, including those working to address Veteran homelessness.
• The Veterans Emergency Fund (https://www.veterans.gc.ca/eng/financial-support/emergency-funds/veterans-emergency-fund) provides prompt financial support to Veterans, their families, and survivors, who are facing an unforeseen financial emergency that is threatening their health and well-being.”