part of mhi history
Veterans’ House: the Andy Carswell Building was conceived of and built by Multifaith Housing Initiative between 2013 and February 2021, when we began welcoming the first residents. Established on a section of the former Rockliffe Airforce base, it is the first housing community built exclusively for veterans who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. The 40 residents who call the Andy Carswell Building home have immediate access to support services from a variety of partner agencies. This supportive “Housing First” model gives the veterans a safe place to live, as well as the opportunity to recover from health, mental health and addiction-related issues, if applicable. Not only does the supportive housing model improve overall quality of life, but it does so in a manner that recognizes the crucial and unbreakable experience of military bonds that exists for all in the military community including families.
Numerous people and organizations helped create or support the Andy Carswell Building: the federal government, Province of Ontario and City of Ottawa provided $8.73 M in grants/contributions; veterans’ organizations; Veterans Affairs Canada and more. Toronto resident John Carswell – President of Canso Investment Counsel – made a lead gift to MHI on behalf of the Carswell family to help build the $11.5M community for homeless veterans. The building was named in honour of John’s late father, Squadron Leader (Ret’d) Andrew (Andy) Carswell, AFC, CD. Andy was a Second World War veteran of the Royal Canadian Air Force, and was stationed at CFB Rockcliffe after the war.
Other key supporters include CAHDCO, Ottawa Salus, Correctional Service of Canada. And the backbone of MHI's charity: faith group members, such as the United Church of Canada.
In October 2023, MHI transferred ownership of the building to its sister non-profit charity, www.veteranshousecanada.ca. Using the Andy Carswell Building as a model, Veterans’ House Canada is gearing up to build more homes across Canada for veterans who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.
Numerous people and organizations helped create or support the Andy Carswell Building: the federal government, Province of Ontario and City of Ottawa provided $8.73 M in grants/contributions; veterans’ organizations; Veterans Affairs Canada and more. Toronto resident John Carswell – President of Canso Investment Counsel – made a lead gift to MHI on behalf of the Carswell family to help build the $11.5M community for homeless veterans. The building was named in honour of John’s late father, Squadron Leader (Ret’d) Andrew (Andy) Carswell, AFC, CD. Andy was a Second World War veteran of the Royal Canadian Air Force, and was stationed at CFB Rockcliffe after the war.
Other key supporters include CAHDCO, Ottawa Salus, Correctional Service of Canada. And the backbone of MHI's charity: faith group members, such as the United Church of Canada.
In October 2023, MHI transferred ownership of the building to its sister non-profit charity, www.veteranshousecanada.ca. Using the Andy Carswell Building as a model, Veterans’ House Canada is gearing up to build more homes across Canada for veterans who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.