Multifaith Housing Initiative, an Ottawa-based non-profit charity that provides affordable-housing, is leading the development of Veterans’ House: The Andy Carswell Building. Ottawa Salus will provide integrated on-site counselling and support services for Veterans. On July 9, the Government of Canada announced that it is making a financial contribution of just over $6.5 million towards the construction of Veterans’ House. The project will be built on the former airforce base CFB Rockcliffe, located at 745 Mikinak Rd in Ottawa, and is expected to be completed by November 2020.
Rawlson King, Councillor for Rideau-Rockcliffe (Ward 13), made a statement at the launch of the affordable, supportive housing project for homeless veterans in Ottawa:
"On behalf of area residents, I want to thank the Multifaith Housing Initiative and its funding partners for advancing this important supportive housing project.
A major objective for myself and my colleagues (the Mayor, our MP and MPP) is to increase affordable housing and a Housing First model, especially here in Wateridge Village.
In our most recent 10-year Housing and Homelessness Plan, the City of Ottawa committed itself to a Housing First model which aims to prioritize housing based on need.
For a Housing First model to be effective, people experiencing homeless must be quickly moved into independent and permanent housing and then be provided additional supports and services as needed.
The Andy Carswell Building will be a wonderful exemplar of this model, as it will provide a home and services to veterans at risk or who are homeless.
As a consequence, we saluter your efforts, along with numerous organizations. We want you to know that this community applauds and supports this project wholeheartedly."
