Veterans Affairs Canada provides support through the Veterans and Family Well-Being Fund

CALGARY, Alta., January 20, 2022 /CNW/ – Veterans Affairs Canada

Today, the Honorable Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence, alongside George Chahal, Member of Parliament for Calgary-Skyview, announced two CalgaryCanadian-based organizations that will receive funding through the Veterans and Family Well-Being Fund.

The Veterans Association Food Bank will receive $210,000 develop new programs to support LGBTQ2+ veterans as well as survivors of military sexual trauma. They will also implement new peer-led activities in Edmonton and Calgary.

The Homes for Heroes Foundation will receive $250,000 to support the Calgary Veterans Village: a unique, affordable and innovative urban village to house veterans as they transition into life after service. This community offers full-service programs to provide the resources, training, and guidance needed to ensure their long-term independent living success.

All recipients will use this funding for initiatives that improve the well-being of Veterans and their families. This year, selected organizations are tackling issues affecting veterans and their families during the post-COVID-19 recovery period, such as homelessness, retraining, employment and health issues, while supporting veterans. equity-seeking groups such as women and LGBTQ2 veterans. This support is made possible through additional investments in the Veteran and Family Well-Being Fund in Budget 2021.

Since 2018, the Veteran and Family Well-Being Fund has provided financial support to private, public and academic organizations that strive to improve the lives of Veterans and their families through projects, initiatives and innovative research.

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“We created the Veteran and Family Well-Being Fund to support organizations that do exceptional work across the country, and these two Calgary are perfect examples. I’ve seen the impact they have first hand, and I know this funding is going to help them change the lives of many veterans in alberta.”

The Honorable Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defense

“The government of Canada is committed to strengthening support for veterans. The Veterans and Family Well-Being Fund is an excellent example of this commitment. Federal funding announced today will support two great organizations that do so much to improve the lives of veterans and their families living in Calgary.”

George Chahal, Member of Parliament for Calgary-Skyview

“Funding through the Veteran and Family Well-Being Fund allows us to continue to serve the Veteran community with programs that address hunger, homelessness, suicide, isolation, education and peer support. We strive to make a positive impact within our Veteran community and with this support and funding, we will continue to enrich the lives of our Veterans and their families. »

Mary Blackburn, Executive Director, Veterans Association Food Bank

“We are extremely grateful to Veterans Affairs Canada for their continued support for the operation of our Veterans Villages. Thanks to individuals and organizations like Veterans Affairs Canada, 15 veterans of Calgary were able to get off the streets, warm up and feel safe, take care of their personal needs, and have a safe place to keep their belongings – all to begin the journey back into mainstream society. The funding will allow us to maintain a high level of comprehensive advice, training and support for our veterans while providing accommodation at very affordable rates. »

Cameron H. Diggon, captain (retired), vice president and director of fund development, Homes for Heroes Foundation

Fast facts

• The Veteran and Family Well-Being Fund was first introduced in Budget 2017, and rewards $3 million annually.
• Since 2018, the Veteran and Family Well-Being Fund has donated more than $25 million to help 66 organizations across the country improve the lives of veterans and their families.
• With new funding in Budget 2021, the Veteran and Family Well-Being Fund will provide $8 million one year until fiscal year 2023-24. These ongoing projects support veterans during the post-COVID 19 recovery period, including addressing issues of homelessness, retraining, employment, and health, as well as supporting women and LGBTQ2 veterans.

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SOURCE Veterans Affairs Canada

For further information: Media Relations, Veterans Affairs Canada, 613-992-7468, [email protected]; Cameron McNeill, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Veterans Affairs, [email protected]