A tale of two charities

When we envisioned building Veterans' House: the Andy Carswell Building we always saw it as the first of many to be built across Canada to help veterans who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.

With the support of our stakeholders, donors like you, and all levels of government, Multifaith Housing Initiative was able to secure financing and funding to build a supportive housing site on the former CFB Rockcliffe Airbase for Canadian veterans. Veterans’ House: The Andy Carswell Building successfully ​opened during the difficult times of a global pandemic. But that did not deter MHI’s supporters, volunteers, fundraisers, and staff from welcoming residents on February 1st, 2021.

What started as a pilot project addressing the gap in affordable and supportive housing for veterans, turned into a successful new charity: Veterans’ House Canada. With our shared vision and your generous support, Veterans’ House Canada transformed into its own charity, separate from Multifaith Housing Initiative, with a charitable status, charity number, and the ability to provide tax receipts.

Veterans’ House Canada has effectively reduced the number of homeless veterans in Ottawa as reflected in the 2022 Point in Time count. This would not have been possible without donations, and the unwavering perseverance from the MHI community. Unfortunately, the need for veteran’s affordable permanent, and supportive housing is growing all over Canada. Veterans need a safe place to call home.

The newly formed charity is taking the successful housing model across Canada. Veterans’ House Canada is committed to building more affordable and supportive sites like Veterans’ House Canada: The Andy Carswell Building. Cities under consideration include Toronto, Vancouver, Victoria, Montreal, Edmonton, Calgary, Halifax and Winnipeg. Be sure to follow Veteran’s House Canada (@VetsHouseCan) on their socials to stay up to date with their progress. You can also visit their new website at www.veteranshousecanada.ca

Thank you to Multifaith Housing Initiative supporters, donors, volunteers, staff, and everyone who collectively took Veterans’ House Canada from a successful project to the tale of two charities. 
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What force so mighty as those who are united under one cause.