What we do
Veterans’ House Canada provides housing and support services for former members of the Canadian Armed Forces experiencing homelessness. Residents live in a community of military peers with access to counselling, peer mentoring and other services that address the causes of homelessness and support reintegration into the wider community.
“If you’ve got a roof over your head, everything else is possible.”
— Bill Beaton, Veterans’ House Canada tenant
Tenants often face complex and varied needs. Support begins with safe housing and continues with programs tailored to mental health, physical rehabilitation and transition to civilian life.
As part of its reintegration efforts, the annual Remembrance Day ceremony has become an important opportunity for residents to engage with the public and take pride in their identity. Tenants help plan and run the event, which has grown steadily and now draws many supporters from the nearby Wateridge Village community.
How you can help
- Donate: Contributions support housing and services at the Andy Carswell Building in Ottawa. Since 2021, more than 74 veterans from across Canada have been housed there.
- Give monthly: Regular donations provide stable funding for programs. A monthly gift of $50 adds up to $600 a year, supporting weekly community meals and emergency needs.
- Support Edmonton expansion: Veterans’ House Canada is building a second permanent residence in Edmonton, with 40 individual suites and a fundraising goal of $6 million. Community contributions of $100 to $1,000 will help open the doors by fall 2026.
- Donate securities: Gifts of stocks and shares can be transferred directly, often providing greater value than cash donations. More information is available on the Canada Revenue Agency website or from a financial adviser.
- Corporate partnerships:Organizations are invited to consider long-term partnerships that support permanent, affordable housing for at-risk veterans.
- Volunteer: Volunteers assist with programs and events. In Edmonton, opportunities include event and program support. In Ottawa, volunteers are needed for community meals, advocacy, fundraising, Remembrance Week activities and donation collections at BMO branches in Ottawa and Gatineau.
This article first appeared in the 2025 Giving Guide produced by the Ottawa Business Journal. That publication is available in its digital edition below.
To learn more about this charity, please visit the latest issue of the Giving Guide:
