A national, non-profit charity is partnering with local businesses, shelters and organizations in Ottawa to house homeless veterans.
“When you’re in the military, it’s a big family. You’re getting all the support you need,” says Walter Semianiw, a retired lieutenant-general who served 32 years in the military. “But when you leave, it’s not there anymore. That’s where we come in.”
Semianiw recently helped launch the Ottawa chapter of VETS Canada – a national, non-profit charity that specializes in emergency transition services for homeless veterans. Forty volunteers – mostly current or former military members – are donating their time to help local veterans.
“We’re not psychologists, psychiatrists, sociologists or social workers,” says Semianiw. “We’re a helping hand, and we know who to connect with.”
There are at least 2,250 homeless veterans who use shelters in Canada, according to a March 2015 government study.
Volunteers at the Ottawa chapter communicate with shelters to locate these veterans. They also search for homeless individuals on foot as part of their Boots on the Ground initiative.
Once located, they bring the veterans to interim lodging before helping them to find permanent housing. Extended Stay Canada, a hotel in Centretown, has partnered with the charity to provide homeless veterans with immediate accommodation.
“The hotel has been kind enough to give us a good rate,” says Semianiw. “We put the veteran in the hotel, provide them with food and marry them with a volunteer who can help them to find permanent accommodations and employment.”
The charity also helps veterans pay outstanding bills, receive medical attention and, in some cases, find suitable retirement residences. Financial support comes from donations and through Veterans Affairs Canada.
The Ottawa chapter also works with the Royal Canadian Legion to identify and support homeless veterans. VETS Canada contacts the Ontario command when they have located a homeless veteran. The command then provides financial assistance for things that aren’t usually covered through Veterans Affairs – including “apartment kits” that contain basic items like dishes, cutlery and bed sheets, worth about $200.
“When someone’s been living on the street, they have no furniture, towels or toilet paper,” says Pamela Sweeny, assistant executive director of the Ontario command. “They have nothing to bring with them other than the clothes on their backs.”
Semianiw would also like to partner with the Montgomery Branch of the Royal Canadian Legion in Centretown. The legion similarly works to locate and refer individuals to Veterans Affairs.
“At this point in time, we don’t have a real strong relationship with VETS Canada,” says Lionel Rowe, president of the Montgomery Branch. “But if we can do anything to work with them to help homeless veterans, we’re willing to do it.”
Sweeny says it’s crucial for organizations and legions to reach out to homeless veterans, as they are often unable or unwilling to ask for help.
“They’re very proud people, and rightfully so,” says Sweeny.
Semianiw says that in some cases, it’s not an issue of money. “They have enough, but they can’t mentally do certain things themselves,” he says. “They need somebody to work with them.”
Ultimately, the Ottawa chapter of VETS Canada wants to access as many resources as possible to help homeless veterans.
“I don’t know these people from Adam, but there’s a military bond between us,” says Semianiw. “In the end, it’s about volunteers stepping in and helping sort it all out.”