Waterloo Region – The Region of Waterloo and its partners are working together to prevent and address Veteran homelessness. The Region’s Ending Veteran Homelessness Initiative (EVII) is supported with $3,077,080 in funding as announced today by the Government of Canada.  

EVHI funds local organizations, including Porchlight Counselling & Addiction Services in partnership with Thrive HIV Prevention & Support, and Cambridge Shelter Corporation, to deliver wrap-around supports designed to help Veterans find and maintain housing and exit experiences of homelessness.    

The program also provides dedicated resources for Veterans who identify as 2SLGBTQI+, Black and racialized individuals, persons with disabilities, and Indigenous Peoples.  

Individuals who are eligible for support through EVHI include former members of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF), including Rangers and reservists, and former members of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness.  

Veterans are identified as a priority group in the Region’s Plan to End Chronic Homelessness.  

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Quotes:

"We thank the federal government and deeply appreciate its continued support. This funding is helping our local partners continue their vital work supporting Veterans in the Region. No Veteran should return home only to face homelessness." — Karen Redman, Regional Chair  

“We are grateful to Veterans who have served our country courageously. Through this Initiative, the Government of Canada is working with local partners to actively identify Veterans without access to safe and stable housing, matching them with available housing, and providing financial and support services to ensure no Veteran is left behind.”  — Honourable Bardish Chagger, Member of Parliament for the Riding of Waterloo  

“Veterans have given so much to Canada, and this investment reflects our government’s ongoing commitment to working hand-in-hand with local partners to ensure those who served our country receive the support they need.” — Tim Louis, Member of Parliament for Kitchener-Conestoga  

“Founded in 1940 to support Veterans returning from war as they rebuilt their lives, our organization remains deeply committed to that same mission 85 years later. Today, we are proud to once again walk alongside Veterans—helping them build lives of meaning, stability, and connection. We are honoured to support Veterans experiencing homelessness and believe that, by working collaboratively with our community, we can and will end Veteran homelessness in Waterloo Region.” — Cameron Dearlove, Executive Director, Porchlight Counselling and Addiction Services  

"The EVHI program offers comprehensive support services and rent subsidies to Canadian Armed Forces and RCMP Veterans in the Waterloo Region who are at risk of homelessness or currently experiencing homelessness. Since its inception, the program has successfully assisted eight Veterans in securing stable housing — five through Cambridge Shelter Corporation and three through Porchlight." — Cambridge Shelter Corporation