‘This is game-changing stuff’: Private donation clears way for homeless veterans’ tiny home project at Parkwood Institute

The Health and Homelessness Fund for Change is giving $4 million for a new London Veteran Village at Parkwood Institute. Sean Irvine explains.

A donation of $4 million has pushed forward the construction of a tiny homes project to support homeless veterans in London.

Shovels will be turned in March on the campus of the Parkwood Institute near Westminster Ponds.

The 25 transitional homes will aid an estimated 200 veterans experiencing homelessness in southwestern Ontario, according to Homes for Heroes Foundation (H4HF).

The organization has already built, or is working to construct, multiple villages for veterans across Canada through private and public partnerships.

But London Veteran Village is the first to be kickstarted by a major private donation.

“This is game-changing stuff. This is stuff that you have to pinch yourself and make sure that you’re not dreaming!” said H4HF President and CEO Brad Field.

While construction is expected to be completed by the fall, more is needed to cover the entire building and initial operating budget.

However, Field is thrilled that the $4 million from the Health and Homelessness Fund for Change will get things started.

The gift is part of a $37.6 million previously announced gift from an anonymous London donor committed to responding to the Forest City’s homelessness and housing crisis.

The money is managed by the London Community Foundation (LCF).

LCF President and CEO Diane Silva expressed that the donors are thrilled to extend their commitment to aiding homeless veterans.

“They have relatives that have served in the army. They know the impacts on those who have served, and what it has on them when they return, on their families or their day-to-day lives. So, they’ve been impacted by that firsthand,” said Silva.

In other communities, Field said Homes for Heroes has proven to be successful in securing long-term housing for veterans, “87 per cent success rate through our program. Whether it’s employment, or, you know, PTSD and mental health counselling, addiction support, and getting them back on their feet and then back on to independent living for themselves.”

In year one, as many as 35 area veterans are expected to transition from the village into their own housing, Field said.