Ontario Supports Military Veterans Experiencing Homelessness

The Ontario government is providing $200,000 and supporting the transfer of one acre of land to help create up to 25 tiny homes for military veterans experiencing homelessness. The province is working in partnership with the Homes For Heroes Foundation and the City of Kingston to convert a portion of the Kingston Provincial Campus into a veterans’ village.

“Our Veterans, who stepped up to serve our country deserve a place to call home,” said Steve Clark, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing. “These men and women were there when we needed them, and now it’s our turn to provide the support they deserve. Through this innovative housing solution our government is helping to improve the quality of life of some of Canada’s military heroes.”

The veterans’ village will be constructed from prefabricated modular housing. Each tiny home will provide transitional housing for one veteran and be a private self-contained unit that includes a kitchen, living room, bathroom and sleeping area.

“We’re honoured to be the first city in Ontario to work with Homes For Heroes and the Ontario government to support our Veterans through the creation of this innovative project,” said Bryan Paterson, Mayor of Kingston. “Veterans have given so much to our country and we’re looking forward to playing a role in providing stable supportive housing, as these men and women look to reintegrate into our community.”

“The Homes For Heroes program was created with direct input from our Canadian veterans. The program offers housing for veterans who are having a difficult time transitioning and provides the necessary support services to help them successfully reintegrate,” said David Howard, President of the Homes For Heroes Foundation. “We are thankful to have the support of the Province of Ontario and the City of Kingston. Both groups have shown incredible leadership, dedication, and support to end the issue of veteran homelessness. Together we are committed to helping those that once stood on guard for Canada.”

The Homes For Heroes project is an example of how Ontario is helping to turn unused provincial properties into affordable housing for those in need. The province will continue to address the housing crisis with innovation, creativity and new partnerships.

Quick Facts

• Homes For Heroes estimates there are as many as 5,000 military veterans in Canada experiencing homelessness.
• As part of the Community Housing Renewal Strategy, Ontario is investing nearly $1 billion in 020-21, which will help sustain, repair and grow community housing.
• In direct response to COVID-19, Ontario created the Social Services Relief Fund and is investing  $510 million to help protect those who are most vulnerable. This includes funding to help improve shelters and create opportunities for longer-term housing.
• Ontario introduced More Homes, More Choice: Ontario’s Housing Supply Action Plan to address housing challenges in the province. The government committed to selling unused surplus properties it owns to build more homes, long-term care facilities and affordable housing.
• Tiny homes are small, private, self-contained residential units built for year-round use. Read Ontario’s guide on what to look for when building or buying a tiny home.

Additional Resources

• Learn more about the Homes For Heroes Foundation

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