New housing project for homeless veterans set to open in Edmonton

A new 40-unit housing project dedicated to homeless veterans is set to open in north Edmonton in the coming months, marking only the second facility of its kind in Canada outside of Ottawa.

The project is spearheaded by Veterans’ House Canada, a national organization offering mental health, addiction, and housing support to former military members. The land for the development was donated by the City of Edmonton.

Alan Mulawyshyn, a retired Brigadier-General in the Canadian Armed Forces, now leads the organization and says the need for such support is urgent.

“Veterans represent about one per cent of the Canadian population, but some estimates have four to five per cent of the homeless population,” said Mulawyshyn. “I think a lot of military people have trouble transitioning from a military life — where you have certain culture a certain purpose, routine and meaning — and then have to transition to civilian life which many have never known as an adult.”

The housing units will be open to any homeless veteran, with no limit on how long support and shelter can be provided. Staff and organizers aim to create a stable, supportive environment to help veterans rebuild their lives.

The initiative resonates deeply with former Canadian Armed Forces members who struggled during their own transitions to civilian life.

“It’s huge to have something like this across the country,” said Bruce Given, retired Canadian Armed Forces SGT. “I was homeless myself for 3 and half years after my second divorce there’s a number of reasons people become homeless but that’s common actually — financial burdens and mental health as well.”

Alongside the housing project, Veterans’ House Canada also unveiled a new exhibit on Friday designed to highlight the issue of veteran homelessness. The display will travel to various locations across the city to raise awareness and foster community engagement.