Feds announce $22.5M investment to address veteran homelessness

Jill McKnight, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence makes a funding announcement in Regina on Wednesday. (Jacob Carr / CTV News)

The federal government announced Wednesday that it is investing over $22.5 million to support initiatives aimed at preventing and reducing veteran homelessness in communities.

Jill McKnight, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence, was in Regina at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 001 to make the announcement.

“Veterans have served our country with courage and dedication. It’s our responsibility to ensure they have a safe place to call home and the support they need to rebuild their lives,” said McKnight. “Through the Veteran Homelessness Program, we are working with communities across Canada to make that a reality.”

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The program funding will enable community organizations to deliver tailored services such as housing assistance, mental health and addiction supports, and employment services.

A total of 34 projects across Canada are receiving funding through the Veteran Homelessness Program (VHP), including the 10 announced Wednesday.

The VHP is funding projects under two streams:

• Services and Supports Stream – $72.9 million for rent supplements and wrap-around services such as counselling and treatment for substance use.
• Capacity Building Stream – $6.2 million for research, improved data collection, and capacity building for organizations to deliver tailored services.

According to Census 2021, there are an estimated 461,240 Canadian veterans. As of October 2025, the Government of Canada estimates that there are approximately 1,800 veterans experiencing homelessness across Canada.